Devon & Cornwall Police launch neighbourhood policing community charter

Following a recent ranking as the third safest policing area in England and Wales, Devon & Cornwall Police has introduced its new Neighbourhood Policing Community Charter. This charter reaffirms the force’s dedication to local communities by outlining its commitments to residents and visitors across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.

Developed in consultation with local communities, partner agencies, and police staff, the charter is based on six core themes:

• Visibility and accessibility

• Responding to communities

• Crime prevention

• Vulnerability

• Relationships with local communities and visitors

• Collaboration with partner agencies

These themes aim to address the changing nature of crime while recognising the direct impact crime has on individuals and neighbourhoods.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew QPM, the lead for local policing, spoke of the importance of neighbourhood policing in the force's operations. "Devon & Cornwall Police is committed to neighbourhood policing, which sits firmly at the heart of our organisation. This Charter further reinforces our pledge to providing a quality policing service and protecting people from harm," he said. He also noted that a recent report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) highlighted the force’s strong approach to neighbourhood policing, particularly its problem-solving efforts and collaboration with other organisations to reduce crime.

The charter’s focus on visibility and accessibility ensures that police teams will address persistent issues like anti-social behaviour, while also making officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) more accessible in local areas. Neighbourhood teams will engage with the community through surveys and events, responding proactively to local concerns and keeping residents informed about their efforts.

Crime prevention is embedded throughout the charter, with local teams working alongside specialist officers, staff, and partners to implement preventative measures using a problem-solving approach. By identifying vulnerabilities within communities, the force will target resources where they are most needed, offering additional support to victims through the Victim Care Unit.

Building strong community relationships is another priority, with investment in community-based watch schemes and continued engagement with diverse Independent Advisory Groups (IAG) and the Custody Lay Visitor Scheme. The charter also stresses the importance of working with partner agencies, acknowledging that the police alone cannot always solve local issues.

To read the full Neighbourhood Policing Community Charter, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website. Residents can also find their neighbourhood policing team and learn about upcoming community contact events online. Sign up for local updates through Devon and Cornwall Alert at alerts.dc.police.uk