THE POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall is asking residents of the force to take five minutes to influence the future of policing in the two counties.

Alison Hernandez is launching her annual survey into policing priorities as she plans the budget for the 2024-25 financial year.

The survey Your Safety, Your Say survey asks questions about the concerns people have in their communities, and whether they support plans to reopen more police enquiry offices and more robust action to tackle drugs.

Opinions are also sought on the level of the precept – the amount levied through council tax bills to locally fund policing – which the Commissioner will set in the new year.

For the first time the Commissioner poses a question about the use of artificial intelligence such as facial recognition cameras, and how supportive people are of using this technology to catch dangerous offenders.

She said: ‘Seeking views from members of the public is one of my core duties. In recent years the public’s views have helped set my policing priorities of tackling antisocial behaviour, drugs, dangerous driving and violent crime, as well as letting me know there is huge support for our policy of reopening police stations.

‘I want people of all ages and backgrounds to help me again by taking a few minutes to take part in this survey.’

The survey can be completed online via the website of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall or at http://dcpcc.commonplace.is, in person at engagement events, or over the phone by calling 01392 225555.