Residents across Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly are being asked how they want their police force to be led and held to account in the future.
The Your Safety, Your Say survey comes at a pivotal time for policing, ahead of the government’s forthcoming police reform White Paper. This is anticipated in early 2026 and is expected to set out far-reaching changes to policing nationally.
The survey has been launched by police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez, ahead of the abolition of her role in May 2028.
“With significant national reforms on the horizon, including the upcoming police reform White Paper, it is more important than ever that local people have a strong voice in shaping the future of policing,” said Hernandez.
“Consulting the public on the policing budget is a core part of my role, and Your Safety, Your Say allows residents to influence how resources are used while also sharing their views on leadership, accountability and priorities for the years ahead.”
No confidence
Back in September, St Ives Town Council passed a motion expressing no confidence in both the office of police and crime commissioner and in the PCC herself.
The motion was brought forward by late councillor and deputy mayor Ken Messenger. “I’ve got no faith in the police and crime commissioner at all because crime isn’t being reported, and they’re trying to say that because crime isn’t being reported we’re a low-level crime area, which is not true,” he told fellow councillors.
St Ives suffers from problems with anti-social bahaviour, drugs, and theft. These issues have to be tackled by two community officers and a PCSO. Supporting the motion, “born out of frustration” he suggested, Paul Viney, a former police officer with some 30 years’ experience, pointed out that in 2000 there were at least 26 police officers in St Ives.
When the police station was closed in 2021, the PCC said it was no longer suitable for the needs of modern policing, promising that sale proceeds of nearly £1 million would be reinvested in local policing. Nearly five years later, there was no sign of that promised reinvestment.
