Alison Hernandez: Hotspot Policing areas expand across Devon and Cornwall

Dealing robustly with those causing antisocial behaviour or serious violence in our towns and cities is a priority of mine in my Police and Crime Plan, and thanks to funding secured by my office from the Home Office, thousands of hours of extra foot patrols have taken place in Devon and Cornwall since April last year as part of the Hotspot Policing project.  

I am delighted that hotspot policing has now been rolled out in Bodmin, following Tiverton this financial year, to increase the number of areas covered by this great scheme to 15 across the region.  

Knowing that patrols are conducted where they are needed most gives residents a greater sense of safety when visiting their town centre. It also reassures businesses that the police and community safety marshals are on hand to prevent any incidents which could impact footfall and their bottom line.   

The scheme involves additional high-visibility patrols which are conducted by police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and uniformed local authority street marshals to act as a deterrent, making individuals think twice before participating in criminal or disruptive behaviour.  

It also means officers can be on hand to identify and catch people responsible for nuisance behaviour and low-level crimes that impact your daily lives, as well as those committing serious violence.   

Street marshals appointed within Hotspot Policing are fully CSAS accredited. CSAS is the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme which gives partners a range of powers usually only available to police, such as the authority to issue fixed penalty notices for certain offences.  

Cornwall councillor for Bodmin, St Mary’s and Leonards, Dan Rogerson said: “Bodmin is a wonderful town but like everywhere, there are issues. It is important that people have confidence in being out, that local businesses know the police presence is there, and that they are reporting things if concerns arise.  

“That visible presence and contact with our community will ensure the authorities gather useful information, so we can collectively deal with problems coming up.”  

Studies conducted in the UK and abroad demonstrate that this approach is effective. Crime is not randomly or uniformly distributed but rather concentrated in small hotspots, making it more efficient to focus police resources within these specific areas.  

My office secured £1 million of Home Office funding from the government to continue the initiative into its second year. It has also been topped up with an additional £300,000 from my office so we can build upon the strong results already achieved.  

During the past 17 months in Devon and Cornwall, there were 319 arrests made during hotspot patrols. Thirty-seven weapons were seized from our streets and 211 safeguarding referrals were made – totalling over 115,100 hours of patrols.  

Hotspot Policing is delivering exactly what our communities told us they want – proactive policing and real action to tackle antisocial behaviour.  

From conversations with business owners and residents where patrols are established, we know it has boosted people’s feelings of security and improved community spirit.   

Despite antisocial behaviour having a lower prevalence in rural areas compared to urban centres, I know the harm to a community can be just as significant. That is why funding for this project has been spread across a range of urban and rural locations, all of which have been identified through Devon & Cornwall Police crime data which highlights the areas that need the most resources. 

For an area to feel the full benefit of hotspot policing, building trust between residents and police officers is crucial. Local intelligence gathering - in conjunction with local street marshals - is vital, because if the police don’t know what is happening, they can’t act.  

So, I would encourage residents to talk with the officers they see out and about. Visible patrols have led to greater confidence in the police in other areas and subsequently, increased reporting. I hope to see a similar trend in Bodmin.  

While the launch of hotspot policing is positive news for Bodmin, I remind residents to be realistic. Hotspot Policing is not a quick fix that yields overnight change. It is a data-led, intelligence-based approach that must be combined with investment in our communities for lasting change to occur.   

The success of hotspot policing highlights the power of partnership working. With the police, street marshals and local authorities all working together, we’re creating a more coordinated, community-led approach to public safety.    

Over the past four years, my office has funded Space Youth Services to run an outreach programme, which sees their youth workers visiting locations where young people are known to congregate, often causing upset within the local community due to anti-social behaviour. They build up a good rapport and provide the support needed to keep the young people safe, unlock their potential and restore peace within communities.  

We also recently commissioned Plymouth Argyle’s Community Foundation and Exeter City’s Community Foundation, to deliver mentoring programmes and diversionary activities with young people in Plymouth, Torbay and Exeter.  

To effectively tackle antisocial behaviour requires enforcement, alongside education and diversionary schemes so young people can spend their time more constructively. That is what we have happening in Devon and Cornwall, and I am immensely proud of my team’s work in this space.  

For more information about Hotspot Policing in Devon and Cornwall, please visit Hotspot policing — Street Focus.