DORSET Police will be working with criminology specialists and academics in a bid to enhance their crime-fighting skills and increase public safety.

Following a grant from the College of Policing, Sergeant Justin Elliott is now the evidence-based policing champion for Dorset.

He will work in close partnership with a number academic institutions including the Open University and Cambridge University to facilitate evidence-based trials within Dorset to inform which crime prevention measures, police tactics and activity are the most effective.

Sergeant Elliott will also run events bringing police and academics together to share ideas and knowledge.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill said: “I welcome Sergeant Justin Elliott’s appointment as the Evidence Based Policing Champion for Dorset.

“With a shrinking budget and workforce, the Chief Constable and I are determined that Dorset Police invests its energy and processes in approaches that work.”