The opinions of people in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are needed to help shape the future of policing in the region by taking part in a short survey.
The study, which has already been completed by 3,000 people, will help the office understand the priorities of resident’s and how these can be met within the 2020/21 budget.
Last year the precept – the part of people’s council tax bill that pays for policing – was increased by the commissioner. It helped the force cope with rising costs and assisted in funding 50 additional police officers for the 2020/21 financial year.
However, in a year that has seen the coronavirus pandemic affect every aspect of life and caused uncertainty about the South West economy, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez says it is more vital than ever that people take the chance to influence the next police budget.
Commissioner 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.”
The survey takes around seven minutes to complete and can be found at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DCPoliceFunding
The survey will run until midnight on Sunday, January 3, 2021.