Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill says he is ‘delighted’ with the support he received from the public, at his first Forum and Surgery in Shaftesbury on Friday 22nd March 2013.
Mr Underhill used the two hour session, to speak with representatives of the community who included business owners, charity representatives and public sector workers. The Commissioner welcomed the innovative new method of engagement, which allowed people free reign to speak directly with him, to discuss what the Police and Crime plan will mean for them.
Martyn Underhill said: “It is so important for me to engage with people in Dorset. These Forums and Surgeries allow me to speak with the public directly about policing and crime in their area. They are being listened to and I am being informed about community issues. By working together like this, we can keep Dorset safe.”
Reducing speeding in villages near Shaftesbury and anti-social behaviour emerged as key concerns while debate also centered on the Government’s Alcohol strategy and Mental Health Provision.
Other questions ranged from wanting more visible policing to concern over whether police stations will close in North Dorset.
Martyn Underhill said: “It was a ‘fascinating’ discussion and I am very much looking forward to doing it again at my other Forums and Surgeries across Dorset in the months ahead.”
The Commissioner will hold twenty-five PCC Forums and Surgeries across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole each year. In addition, Mr Underhill has pledged to hold Walk-In Surgeries and Victim Forums.
