Getting the priorities right and the job done.

It occurs to me that we can easily get bogged down in a plethora of trivia when in fact we should be concentrating on those priorities that can seriously affect our well being. Take Crime and Disorder for example,the level of concern that Christchurch residents have now compared with this time two years ago, which can be stated as their perception of crime and disorder affecting their lives, has plummeted to an all time low. This means in simple terms, that we all feel safer in our homes and neighbourhoods. This has not happened by accident, it is the result of a new system of partnership working introduced two years ago whereby police and partners work together to engage with our communities and make anti-social behaviour and such unacceptable. This project has a strategy determined by East Dorset Crime and Disorder Partnership which is chaired by me. It is funded from County and Police sources and works on a principle where problems and issues are highlighted by residents and dealt with by the partners. It is an inclusive strategy with tactics aimed at getting results at front door level. It has worked and I am proud to have been involved. Another example of getting the job done.