Police budget approved with council tax increase

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has announced the policing budget for 2021-22, with a council tax increase for residents in Devon and Cornwall of 6.7%.

There was unanimous support for proposals that will create another 232 frontline jobs in Devon and Cornwall Police in the next financial year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez's plans will enable Devon and Cornwall Police to recruit an additional 40 officers in addition to 141 nationally funded posts to bolster neighbourhood teams, 22 extra contact centre staff to reduce 101 call waiting times and 29 more crime investigators to bring more criminals to book.

It also includes provision for eight staff to assist professional standards investigations, will fund a project to improve police data and equip a new drone team to help search for vulnerable missing people and to gather intelligence.

The budget, which will mean a £14.92 increase in the annual police precept for Devon and Cornwall households for a band D property, received unanimous approval at the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said:

"It is never easy to ask our communities to pay more for policing but I am confident that these proposals, which will significantly bolster neighbourhood policing resources, is what residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly want.

"One of the most fundamental purposes of policing is the prevention of crime, and of the 4,130 people to take part in my recent surveys 94% wanted investment in crime prevention, 88% in visible policing and 86% in community-based crime prevention.

"This investment in people, to be present in our streets and to be on the end of a phone or email when there is a call for help, will stop more crime before it happens and make our communities even safer than they are at present."

Several panel members and the Commissioner publicly thanked police for their diligent work in protecting communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After the meeting, the Commissioner also thanked the 4,130 residents of the force area who completed her survey into policing priorities.

"It is my job to consider people's views and be a voice for them in our communities," she said. "I'd like to thank those who took the time to complete my survey and ensure them that their voices have been heard."

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