Working with diverse communities

Over the last 10 years Devon and Cornwall Police has worked hard to recognise the policing needs of individuals and communities from differing backgrounds, which include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion and belief, disability and sexual orientation. The way we do this needs to change and we want all of our staff to deliver a service hat meets your needs.

What happens now?

We currently have dedicated officers working with diverse communities to understand local issues and ensure all needs are met in the event of a crime or incident. They will contact you in person, attend group meetings and work with officers/staff who are dealing with your reported incident. These officers/staff also work with other agencies to share good practice and ensure that you receive the appropriate service. They do not usually investigate crime or incidents and are notnormally the officer sent to deal with a call or crime report. In most cases they will not be the local officer/staff for the area in which you live or work.

What will happen in the future?

The changes we propose will mean that all staff will be responsible for making sure that the service we provide meets your needs. Local policing teams will make contact with you and attend your group meetings and events. Crimes will continue to be investigated in the same way. There will still be dedicated sergeants you can contact if you feel your needs have not been met or you feel unable to talk to your local officer. The sergeants will work to the local police commander and maintain the current links with other agencies to ensure that issues are highlighted and good practice is shared.

Independent Advisory Group

We have an independent advisory group to bring together people from diverse communities. The group helps set our priorities and objectives to make sure that we deliver the best service we possibly can. This will remain the same.

Hate Crime

We are looking at how we can improve the way in which we respond to and deal with hate crime. This will be developed alongside the changes we are making.