Have Your Say: Second Dorset Youth Survey launches

Last week, I launched the second OPCC Youth Survey, inviting young people across Dorset who are aged under 25 to share their views. This survey is a key part of our youth participation strategy, ensuring young people’s voices directly shape our work, particularly around preventing violence and reducing harm.

Last year, your feedback gave us vital insight into your experiences and concerns. It has already influenced the work of my Violence Reduction and Prevention Team and led to real investment in initiatives which are making a difference today.

This year, we want to go further. This survey is your opportunity to see how your voice has led to action - and to help shape what comes next. Here are just some of the ways your feedback has made an impact:

You said… you feel unsafe in certain places

We listened.

Dorset Police increased police patrols in hotspot areas, focusing on locations where crime is more likely to occur. This formed part of the Force’s hotspot policing approach, which targets areas based on evidence and data. Hotspot policing means more visible officers, on foot and in marked vehicles, where they are needed most.

Over the past year:

You said… you want more support when violence happens

We listened.

We funded new services to support young people at risk of carrying weapons, as well as those who have already experienced harm.

This includes emergency department youth workers in Bournemouth and Poole hospitals, funded in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset Charity. This initiative supports young people affected by violence, whether as victims, witnesses, or those at risk.

We have also funded a Focused Deterrence Worker, who works directly with young people to understand risks and consequences, make safer choices and provide access to support such as education, training, or housing. The aim is to reduce harm and keep young people safe. The young people working with this service will also have regular contact with police officers to help to ensure that if someone causes harm, it is dealt with quickly and fairly.

You said… you want better education on knife crime

We listened.

In the past year Dorset Police have delivered the FAKE (Firearms and Knife Education) programme in schools across the county, reaching 3,763 young people. These sessions are delivered by specialist firearms officers and discuss the law around carrying and using weapons, show the real‑life impact of knife crime on individuals, families, and communities and explain what police do if they think someone is carrying a weapon.

As well as the FAKE sessions, Dorset Police and my Office have worked closely with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and the British Army, to deliver a focused piece of work called Operation Guardian. These are targeted sessions which teach young people about knife crime alongside martial arts activities and provide a positive focus, building confidence and discipline.

Looking ahead, we will also fund a virtual reality (VR) programme, giving young people an immersive way to understand the consequences of knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

Your voice matters

Everything you’ve read here started with young people speaking up.

That’s why I’m encouraging as many young people under the age of 25 as possible to take part in this year’s survey. Your views will directly shape future action and investment across Dorset.

Take the survey here: Youth Consultation 2026 Survey

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner