THE man in charge of policing in Dorset has won a national award for his work with residents.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill will receive the Community Engagement award from Comparing PCCs (CoPaCC), an organisation set up to scrutinise the performance of police commissioners in England and Wales. There will be a reception on April 28 where the award will be presented.

The organisation has been examining how well PCCs were working with the public and wanted to identify the person with the most effective public engagement.

Chief executive of CoPaCC Bernard Rix, who will present the award at police HQ, Winfrith, said Mr Underhill’s work was an ‘excellent example of how PCCs can engage with the public’.

Mr Underhill said: “I am delighted to win this national award for public engagement.

“As the PCC, I am the voice of the public so it is important that the public tell me their issues.

“I have made direct contact with thousands of people through my PCC Forums, surgeries and correspondence.

“I would like to thank my team, advocates and volunteers for all their hard work over the last year.

“I strongly believe that by working together, we can create a safer Dorset.”

Volunteer Chris Colledge, who assists at PCC Forums, said: “The forums provide the opportunity for people to ask questions and address their concerns directly with the Commissioner.

“This ‘hands on’ approach by the Dorset PCC has gained people’s respect. We admire his drive to connect communities.”