Alison Hernandez: The results speak for themselves

One of my responsibilities as Police and Crime Commissioner is ensuring that Devon and Cornwall remain among the safest places to live, work and visit in the country. 

At the heart of that ambition is a commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour, serious violence and knife crime — issues that not only cause real harm but also erode the confidence and cohesion of our communities.

That’s why – particularly in Neighbourhood Policing Week - I’m proud to shine a light on the Hotspots Policing Initiative, a partnership-led approach that is delivering real results in towns and city centres across our region. 

Supported by significant investment from both the Home Office and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, this initiative is turning the tide on disruptive and harmful behaviours—bringing a visible, proactive presence to the places that need it most.

In 2024/25, Devon and Cornwall Police were awarded £1 million from the Home Office to launch the Hotspots Policing programme. 

This funding enabled a combination of high-visibility police patrols, CSAS-accredited street marshal patrols, and local problem-solving activities targeting ASB, serious violence and knife crime. 

As Commissioner, I was pleased to contribute an additional £200,000 to support the delivery of street marshal patrols — because I believe in making our streets safer through practical, community-based action.

Thirteen locations were identified for this work through careful data analysis and cross-referenced with local intelligence from partners on the ground. 

These include towns and city centres across Devon and Cornwall where the need was greatest and the potential for meaningful impact the highest.

The outcomes speak for themselves. Over the course of the year from April 1st, 2024 to March 31st, 2025, the initiative delivered:

• 7,414 hours of proactive, high-visibility patrols
• Nearly 100,000 public engagements, reinforcing trust and presence.
• Over 46,000 premises visits, offering reassurance to businesses.
• 2,205 intelligence reports, feeding into local policing priorities.
• 238 arrests and 315 stop and searches, directly resulting from patrol activity.
• 287 ASB powers exercised, tackling disorder head-on.
• Response to 1,902 ASB incidents, many involving repeat offenders.
• 33 offensive weapons seized, removing risk from our streets.
• Recovery of 233 items of stolen property, drugs, or alcohol
• 190 safeguarding referrals, ensuring the vulnerable are protected.

These are more than just numbers — they represent safer neighbourhoods, restored confidence in public safety, and people being protected from harm. 

Our joint efforts have led not only to reductions in targeted offences but also to a ripple effect across related criminal behaviours. 

Feedback from residents and business owners has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve heard firsthand how the regular presence of officers and wardens has helped people feel safer and more connected. In many areas, the atmosphere of public spaces has visibly improved, helping towns regain their sense of pride and community spirit.

In recognition of this success, the Home Office has again awarded Devon and Cornwall Police a further £1 million for 2025/26 to continue and expand this vital work, including two new locations in Bodmin and Tiverton. I have also increased the PCC’s contribution to £300,000 to ensure we can support even more effective street marshal patrols. 

Already, in the first two months of this financial year—from April 1st to May 31st—we’ve delivered:

• 3,800 hours of high-visibility patrols
• 12,688 public engagements
• 7,215 premises visits
• 391 intelligence reports
• 33 arrests and 46 stop and searches.
• 208 ASB incidents attended.
• 4 offensive weapons seized.
• 34 items of recovered property
• 38 safeguarding referrals for vulnerable individuals

These early results show strong momentum, and we’re determined to build on that. The dual focus on visibility and enforcement not only deters crime but also gives communities the reassurance they deserve.

Hotspot policing is not a quick fix — it’s a sustained, intelligent approach that combines data, local insight, and professional presence to make real change happen. It demonstrates what we can achieve when we invest in our communities and work in partnership across policing, councils, businesses, and voluntary organisations.