This page is now archived. Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police will not be proceeding with the proposed merger, but this content remains here for reference.
What are the benefits of the proposed merger?
Creating a new force would put us in line with the Government’s direction of greater reform in policing.
New force, new vision
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Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police will legally go from two forces to one force
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Development of a “three-county” policing model, with a headquarters in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, which will give better local visibility, connectivity and accountability in order to maintain a geographic approach to local matters
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For the overwhelming majority of staff there will be limited immediate change from that which they see today.
Local focus, national influence
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Creating a new force changes nothing for local policing – local policing resources will remain local.
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The new force would give more community policing by allowing us to reinvest in our frontline.
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The new force will have more influence, representing our often ignored communities at a national level.
Greater savings, greater investment
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The creation of a new force allows us to reduce by one chief constable and one police and crime commissioner
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Money saved can be reinvested in areas such as improved technology (like drones) that help to keep the public safe and new staff
More officers, more connected
- A merger will allow the new force to invest in increased policing capability across Cornwall, Devon & Dorset. Our detailed business case will propose an immediate uplift of 100 posts in the first year, with an aspiration for a further 300+ posts on top of this, depending on future funding of the new force
- Council tax alignment is subject to Government decision, but should cost approximately £1 to £3 per month for average (Band D) residents
Single leadership, single focus
- The new force will have one Police and Crime Plan – one vision, one mission
- Strengthened accountability through single points of leadership
- Reduced administrative burden on the force, as well as partners
