Alison Hernandez and Shaun Sawyer are campaigning to secure extra funding to deal with the significant numbers of visitors to the force area over the summer months.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is applying for a Special Grant to help cope with millions of people who visit the region each year. Analysis shows that 12% of all overnight stays in England and Wales occur in Devon and Cornwall – the only place that gets more is London.
Tuesday’s (May 21) meeting with MPs is just part of their plan to raise the profile of fair funding at Westminster.
The Chief Constable and PCC pointed out that the force is only paid to manage its resident population and receives no help to police its visitors.
Even discounting the summer population spike the force receives well below average funding, a situation Mr Sawyer describes as unfair to residents of the two counties.
The meeting united politicians of all colours to understand the issues affecting the people they represent and how they can help fly the flag for Devon and Cornwall Police in Westminster.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Our MPs are such a valuable voice for our communities in Parliament. Ensuring they are updated on the challenges we face in keeping communities safe is vital so they can help champion our cause.
“We welcome visitors with open arms here in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – they are fantastic news for our economy, but we have to be realistic about the additional pressures this puts not only on policing but also partners in other public services and health.
“I’m pleased that MPs and Government are taking a keen interest in this area and I look forward to working closely with them to achieve the best for our communities.”
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