Take the survey at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DCPoliceFunding
In previous years residents of the Devon and Cornwall Police force area have helped the Police and Crime Commissioner set the strategic direction of the force and influenced decisions to increase taxation and bolster police officer numbers.
Now Commissioner Alison Hernandez is launching her most comprehensive survey into attitudes towards policing and community safety as she prepares a 2020/21 budget.
Last year an increase in 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 a rise in force strength of 50 additional police officers for the 2020/21 financial year.
In a year that has seen the coronavirus pandemic affect every aspect of life and caused uncertainty about the South West economy and job prospects she says she is minded not to impose an additional financial burden on the communities of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by significantly increasing the precept for the next financial year.
“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,” she said.
“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 online here
The survey will run until midnight on Sunday, January 3, 2021.