Dorset is to receive £1.6 million from the government to increase the numbers of police officers and staff working in frontline neighbourhood policing roles.
The decision has been welcomed by Chief Constable Amanda Pearson and Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.
The force plans to recruit police staff investigators, detention officers and contact officers which will release police officers into neighbourhood policing roles.
It also intends to launch recruitment campaigns in June for police community support officers (PCSOs) and neighbourhood special constables.
Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “Dorset remains the second lowest funded force in the country and I very much welcome this specific funding, which allows us to re-orientate officers and staff so we can rebalance some teams to ensure we have the right people in the right roles to operate efficiently and to make every penny count.
“These neighbourhood resources will not only provide reassurance and visibility to make communities safer and feel safer, but it will enable us to work cohesively with residents, visitors and businesses to solve local problems while continuing to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We know from our Op Track pilot project, that dedicating high visibility foot patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in hotspot areas improves effectiveness whilst reassuring our communities.
“Some 70 per cent of those areas saw reductions in serious violence and 67 per cent showed a reduction in anti-social behaviour.
“With confirmation from the Home Office that funding will continue to support these patrols, we will be able to expand this into other areas across the county.”
Dorset Police says it will be reviewing and enhancing its neighbourhood engagement this year, including providing the public with additional opportunities to speak to officers and staff, report crime and intelligence and access crime prevention advice.
Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I very much welcome this extra funding which will go directly into bolstering front line capacity and capability.
“This funding will enable Dorset Police to put the right people in the right places and reinforce the message to our residents and communities that ‘neighbourhood’ remains at the heart of policing here in Dorset.
“More PCSOs serving the local community, more invaluable neighbourhood special constables, more of what the public tell me they want to see – Dorset Police being more ‘visible and connected’ to the people they serve, a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.”