A funding boost from the government for more neighbourhood officers is welcome news, says Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez 

Last week, my office announced some fantastic news for the residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: thanks to a substantial £4.7 million grant from the Home Office, we're set to see a major boost in neighbourhood policing across our region.

This funding means 110 more “boots on the ground”, with 45 police officers redeployed into neighbourhood policing teams, 55 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) recruited, and 10 new Special Constable volunteers. 

One of things I hear most from people around our force area is that they want to see more visible policing. Whether it's in town centres, rural areas, or residential neighbourhoods, that sense of safety that comes from seeing officers out and about cannot be underestimated. And it isn’t just a feeling — visible policing plays a vital role in preventing crime, deterring antisocial behaviour, and building trust with communities.

In my ongoing Your Safety, Your Say survey, nearly half of respondents said their top priority for investment in policing was having more officers on the streets. I have heard this message loud and clear, and this funding helps take a big step in delivering just that.

This move builds on the work we’ve already been doing through our hotspot policing project, a targeted approach that has already shown real results in communities across the force area, with regular foot patrols in areas that need it most leading to many interventions and arrests, weapons taken off the streets, and a clear reduction in antisocial behaviour. 

Neighbourhood policing is the foundation of our efforts to support local communities. This investment will allow us to be more responsive and proactive in addressing the issues that matter most to residents.

The benefit of neighbourhood officers and PCSOs is that they know the areas they serve. They build relationships with residents, local businesses, schools, and community groups. They become a familiar face and a trusted point of contact and help address low-level issues before they escalate, which is so important for preventing crimes from being committed.

In fact, one of our amazing PCSOs Liz Francis, who works in the Teignmouth neighbourhood team, has just been recognised in a national awards ceremony for her exceptional contribution in helping to keep local people safe.

Liz was nominated and shortlisted for the Police Staff Lifetime Achievement award. As Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey said, “she is driven by the desire to make life better for communities across Teignmouth.

“Liz has built strong relationships and nurtured trust with people, especially with those who wouldn’t usually feel comfortable speaking to the police. 

“She is the epitome of what is expected from a PCSO and more. She is well liked and respected by her team, partners and the local community. For years Liz has provided the town with a reassuring presence and has made the community of Teignmouth feel safe – both of which are the cornerstone of policing.”

The 10 new volunteer Special Constables will also be a valuable addition. These are community-minded individuals who give their time to help keep others safe, and I’m proud that this funding helps us grow that team.

This new funding is part of the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which commits to ensuring that all communities have access to dedicated and proactive local policing. Alongside the additional £1 million we’ve secured for hotspot policing, this is a major investment in the safety of our communities.

The addition of 110 more officers and staff in our communities is a real game-changer for neighbourhood policing in Devon and Cornwall. It means more eyes and ears on the ground, quicker responses to local concerns, and a stronger connection between the police and the people they serve.

We know that strong communities are built on trust, and visible, accessible policing is key to that. With this investment, we’re not only tackling today’s challenges but also laying the foundation for safer, more resilient communities in the future.

To find out who your local policing team is, go to https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ and enter your postcode. You can also see crime stats for your area as well as meetings and events where you can meet the team.