Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and the Chief Constable of Dorset Police Debbie Simpson have met with the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice The Rt Hon Damien Green MP this morning, ahead of the Police Federation Conference in Bournemouth.
The forty-five minute meeting which took place at the Premier Inn, Bournemouth Central, focused on police funding, sponsorship, mobile data and Dorset’s new Victim’s Bureau.
Mr Underhill said: “I am pleased with the response we received from the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, Damien Green. He has indicated his support to our approach to sponsorship providing the necessary caveats are in place. It will now be taken to the College of Policing for a national policy to be drawn up, with suitable safeguards to protect integrity and maintain the dignity of the Police.”
Mr Underhill added: “We also spoke about the budget cuts the Force is facing and I stressed the need to re-address the funding formula for Dorset. The Minister has also agreed that Police and Crime Commissioners will be involved in the Police Funding Review Body. This is welcome news. It is crucial that Dorset is given fair representation.”
It is the first time that the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice Damien Green has held a joint meeting with a Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable from the same Force area.
Mr Underhill said: “It is evidence of the good working relationship that the Chief and I have developed. Whilst, I am the check and balance on the Force, The Chief and I are strong leaders who share the same vision that by working together, we can create a safer Dorset.”