This week, a major piece of legislation was introduced by government – the Crime and Policing Bill. While much of the detail continues to be analysed and assessed, I want to highlight just some of the measures which are in direct alignment with my Police and Crime Plan. This plan is based on the policing priorities which you, the public, told me you wanted to see tackled in Dorset. Progress is being made across all areas of this plan, which you can view further here, and I await with interest to see how this new bill can help us as we continue delivering upon our commitments to the people of Dorset. 

Anti-social behaviour

What the bill includes: 

- A new Respect Order.

- New powers to seize vehicles used to cause anti-social behaviour.

- Extension of dispersal order time period.

- Higher fines for breaches of ASB orders.

I know anti-social behaviour is an ongoing concern for the public, which is why it is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Through Force-led operations such as Operation Relentless, Op Track which targets anti-social behaviour and violent crime through hotspot policing and 100 Days of Summer to name just a few, as well as my Operation Relentless Community Fund which aims to reduce ASB and increase feelings of safety in the community, Dorset Police and my Office are wholly committed to tackling these harmful offences. These initiatives, as well as the work we are doing in Dorset alongside our partners, are working with anti-social behaviour falling to its lowest level since 2007/8, dropping 12% in the past year alone. 

I welcome initiatives which will help Police to tackle these offences, as I know the harm ASB causes to individuals and communities. It is vital ASB is taken seriously, and police are given the powers to tackle it robustly, providing vital relief to those affected. That’s why I hope these new initiatives will complement what we know already is working in Dorset and allows officers to be even more efficient in combatting ASB and dealing with the perpetrators effectively.

Knife crime

What the bill includes: 

- Police powers to seize knives held in private which they suspect could be used in unlawful violence.

- Increase penalties for those possession, manufacturing, selling or supplying prohibited offensive weapons.

- New offence of possession of a knife or weapon in public or private with intent to use unlawful violence.

While Dorset has low rates of knife crime, tackling knife crime and reducing violence is a key priority for me and my team. While I welcome initiatives which help to get more knives off the streets and out of the hands of dangerous individuals, I believe we need to go much further to turn the tide. That’s why I have been lobbying for funding for a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) in Dorset for the past few years.

While robust enforcement is part of the solution, it is not down to policing alone to solve this issue. This is where early intervention is key, something a VRU would allow even more of in Dorset, formally bringing together partner agencies including local authorities, health and education sectors to commission services to prevent serious violence.

I am dedicated to this, and that’s why my Office’s Violence Reduction and Prevention Team are already laying the groundwork, collaborating with partners to ensure interventions and diversions, and identifying those most at risk so adequate safeguards can be put in place.

I want to have these interventions in place to prevent knife crime becoming more of a problem in Dorset, not wait until it does, and I will not give up on my mission to fund this properly. Yes, enforcement is important, but strong partnerships and the proper resources to tackle knife crime at the earliest opportunity are equally, if not more, important if we are to grip this issue fully. 

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This rundown is a broad look at two of the important subjects covered in this Bill, and how they correspond to the Police and Crime Plan in Dorset. I am wholly committed to ensuring the people of Dorset are kept safe, and victims of crime are supported in the best ways possible. And while I applaud any initiatives which enable more dangerous criminals to be brought to justice and helps more victims to be supported, it is important to note that this cannot be done by policing alone or without additional funding to ensure the Force’s challenging financial situation is not further impacted. I will continue to do my utmost to ensure Dorset Police ‘Makes Every Penny Count’ including lobbying our MPs and those in power to ensure Dorset is funded properly and can continue to be a safe place for those who live, work and visit our wonderful county.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

- Annual Reports – Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner

- Crime and Policing Bill 2025: factsheets - GOV.UK