3,500 complete police commissioner's survey

Time running out to influence 2021 budget

With less than two weeks to go, 3,500 people have told Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner how they think she should be budgeting for 2021/22 onwards.

Alison Hernandez's survey closes on 3 January, but she is appealing for more people to get involved.

Last year the precept – the part of people’s council tax bill that pays for policing – was increased by the commissioner. Most people don't like paying more tax, but this increase helped the force cope with rising costs, funded a new violent crime reduction programme and assisted in funding 50 additional police officers for the 2020/21 financial year.

Ms Hernandez said: “I recognise that tough decisions will need to be made about spending. That’s why I need people to take a few minutes to give me their views. 

"Devon and Cornwall Police has led the local response to the pandemic while continuing to carry on with its day-to-day job of preventing and detecting crime. They have done this in partnership with communities, who have helped to fund increases in officer numbers for the past four financial years.

“But building safe, resilient and connected communities is not just about police numbers. I want to have a real understanding of what makes people feel safe, what they worry about and what areas of policing they would like more spending on. That’s why this year’s survey takes a little longer to complete than those of previous years. Its results will be vital in helping us plan and build a force that moves even further towards reflecting the wishes of the people it serves.”

Ms Hernandez explains more about how the survey will help in the video attached here. The survey, which takes about five minutes, is at: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DCPoliceFunding