Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has hailed falls in reported crime after ‘hotspot’ patrols in 15 places across the region from Penzance and Plymouth to Bideford, Paignton and Tiverton. As in other parts of England, the patrols began two years ago and were paid for out of Home Office funding.
The regional force has been one of the most active users in England and Wales of the the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS). In this case, street marshals, described by the authorities as ‘extra eyes and ears’, have limited police-like powers granted to them by the chief constable; such as to require the names and addresses of wrong-doers.
Results
Alison Hernandez added: “The results speak for themselves. The force, my office and our partners delivering the foot patrols have driven down ASB (anti-social behaviour) and violence rates. The theory behind the scheme is simple; more uniformed visibility in higher crime areas will deter people from making bad choices in that moment, which is proven, and something our community instinctively knows.
“But we are aware there are deeper issues causing individuals to act in a disruptive manner, and those issues require investment from drug and alcohol treatment to housing. ASB is a scourge on our society and the daily grind of it can significantly impact residents going about their lives or shopkeepers trying to earn a living. I recently announced my funding for street marshals will continue, keeping them as part of our wider policing family for at least the next six months [to September 30, 2026], while we wait for further details of government funding for other, specific street focused projects.”
Funding
As she pointed out, Home Office hotspot policing funding which dates from the Rishi Sunak Conservative Government has not been renewed by Labour in 2026.
Separately, Exeter City Council’s community safety uniformed patrollers were featured in the March 2026 edition of Professional Security Magazine; and Taunton’s on-street marshal in the February 2025 edition. See also Exeter’s Community Safety Charter.
CCTV latest
Meanwhile Professional Security Magazine has followed the upshot of the Cornwall County Council decision to end monitoring of a dozen places’ public space CCTV, which left notably Falmouth and Penzance to have to make their own arrangements. Last year, Alison Hernandez announced a grants scheme for local government and others to seek up to £10,000 for capital spends on CCTV. Torpoint Town Council bid for and got the maximum £10,000 funding for CCTV to combat anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping at Harvey Street. The housing provider Cornwall Housing has committed a further £1,520.70. Regional Housing Manager, Paula Williams, said: “We recognise the positive difference that CCTV can make to people’s sense of safety. This installation is an important step in helping residents at Harvey Street feel more secure in their homes and community.”
For a wider Street Focus project in the region visit: www.street-focus.co.uk.
Photo by Mark Rowe, CCTV, Exeter retail park.
