Dorset Police news site

Policing resources in Bournemouth town centre are set to increase, with 11 additional officers tackling issues that matter most to communities.

The additional resources are part of a wider investment in neighbourhood policing by Dorset Police, which started 12 months ago with 40 officers set to join neighbourhood teams across the Force from the beginning of April 2026.

The officers will be focused on active, visible policing, keeping businesses safe, tackling anti-social behaviour as well as solving crimes in neighbourhoods such as burglary.

Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, Commander for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, said: “We’re delighted to bring extra officers into neighbourhoods. This is good news for people across the county who said they wanted a more visible presence in our towns and villages. After months of planning, training, and good work by our officers and staff, we’re proud to put this uplift in place.

“It is a significant investment and shows our commitment to focus on what matters to the public, fight crime and make Dorset a safe county for everyone.

“The additional 10 constables and one sergeant in Bournemouth town centre means Dorset Police can give a stronger and more visible service, and continue to respond quickly to the issues that matter to residents, businesses and visitors to the town.

“This step in Bournemouth is part of our wider uplift across the Force, with 40 additional officers joining frontline neighbourhood teams.”

Visible hotspot policing over the past two years has seen sustained reductions in serious violence, which has reduced by 22 per cent. Robbery is also down by 24 per cent in the BCP area. In addition, anti-social behaviour is down by 10 per cent alongside a campaign encouraging the public to increase reporting.

Funding for the initiative has been achieved through the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, a programme which has allowed the Force to recruit, over the last 12 months, into CID, contact management and custody roles and release more police officers into uniform frontline roles.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to see this further investment in neighbourhood policing from Dorset Police. Making policing more visible and connected is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and something residents consistently tell me is important to them.

“These additional officers will focus on the issues that matter most to local people, helping to ensure the public not only remain safe, but crucially feel safe in their communities. Feeling safe where you live, work and spend your time is fundamental to people’s quality of life and their confidence in policing and I am pleased that thanks to Dorset Police’s strong financial management, the work of Project Evolve, and investment through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, the Force can strengthen its neighbourhood policing teams even further.

“By increasing the number of officers who are visible, accessible and embedded within neighbourhoods, Dorset will continue to be one of the safest places in the country.”

Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for community safety, said: “Today is a further step forward in giving our residents reassurance that Bournemouth town centre, and the wider area, are safe places to be. Residents have told us that we want to see a more visible policing presence, both in our town centres and in our communities, so this increase in frontline police officers is really welcome.

“In addition to this, the council will continue to deliver more than 13,000 hours annually of CSAS foot patrols in hotspots and carry out targeted enforcement on anti-social behaviour to make sure everyone can feel safe when enjoying our town.” 

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID said: “Any increase in police resourcing and presence in the town centre is of course very welcome. It’s important that this uplift, in conjunction with support from partners delivers tangible and lasting change to further improve the experience of residents, workers and visitors alike.”

One of the new officers joining the team is Police Constable Paige Hamilton. She said: “I can’t wait to move into the Bournemouth Neighbourhood Policing Team and tackle the issues that are of concern to our communities. Until recently I have been a patrol officer in Bournemouth responding to 999 calls so I’m looking forward to getting involved in longer-term problem solving to support local businesses and residents.”