David Sidwick, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Dorset, would like to know if local people feel connected and engaged with the force.

He is therefore conducting a survey asking participants to share how they would like to be able to contact the police and for examples of excellent customer service experiences. Findings from this work will influence Dorset Polices’ future contact and engagement projects.

Mr Sidwick said: “Priority 2 of my Police and Crime Plan centres on making policing more visible and connected and so, with this survey, I want to know more about how you would prefer to make contact and engage with Dorset Police.

“PCCs have a statutory duty to engage with the communities they serve, and I strongly believe that people should have a say in the institutions that play a big part in their lives. Policing, because of the power it yields, must be connected to the people it serves.

“So, this is your opportunity to tell us if you want to be able to ‘live chat’ with someone online or if you’d rather have a front desk to go to or whether you would prefer to send an online report or an email.

“I also want to hear about the brilliant customer service you’ve had elsewhere. So please take the survey and help to shape the service you receive when you contact Dorset Police.”

The survey is on: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Media_pcs22