Local government reorganisation in Dorset a 'massive opportunity for policing'.

The message comes from Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill following proposals to Dorset Police with Devon and Cornwall Police.

The plans, which were officially revealed last Thursday would be responsible for a combined population of around 2.5 million people between the New Forest and Land's End.

It comes after former Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid approved plans for Christchurch to merge with Bournemouth and Poole councils and for Dorset County, Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset, East Dorset, North Dorset and Purbeck councils to merge into a single authority.

Martyn Underhill said that the merger offered a massive opportunity for policing as well as the people of Dorset to get a better service.

He added: "The proposed merger between Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police has many potential benefits and will help to improve the way we deliver policing to communities across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.

"We currently have a multi-agency safeguarding hub for children in Dorset, but we want an opportunity to create one for every vulnerable person in this county.

"We are discussing that with the two shadow authorities but I also think the changes will give us huge opportunities to tackle flytipping.

"There are so many opportunities with two new unitary authorities to change the way we police this county."

However, as a result of the merger going ahead, it would mean that several result top-level roles would be lost which could include one police and crime commissioner and one chief constable role.

The two forces have been in a strategic alliance for several years with 25 per cent of all staff currently work across the three counties.

A public consultation on the proposals is already underway and anyone who wants to have their say on the merger should visit futurepolicing.co.uk until Monday, August 27 to complete a survey.

Mr Underhill added that a new merged force will work well in harmony with the changing local authorities in Dorset.

He added: "I've always said I supported the two unitary concept, although I wanted just one however two is better than nine, though.

"There is a shared view from the chief constables that a merger of the two forces offers the best long-term solution for all parties.

However, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, added: "In considering the future it is important that we understand the community impact of any decisions in this area. I will not support a merger unless it is in the best interests of the people of Devon and Cornwall.”

The results of the survey will form part of a business case which will be submitted to the Home Office in the autumn.