Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Friday 6^th February 2026.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Friday 6^th February 2026 were confirmed as a correct record and signed.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting

Representatives of town or parish councils and members of the public who live, work, or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area are welcome to submit either one question or one statement for each meeting.  You are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via MS Teams to read out your question and to receive the response.   If you submit a statement for the committee this will be circulated to all members of the committee in advance of the meeting as a supplement to the agenda and appended to the minutes for the formal record but will not be read out at the meeting.

The first eight questions and the first eight statements received from members of the public or organisations for each meeting will be accepted on a first come first served basis in accordance with the deadline set out below.  For further information please see Public Participation - Dorset Council  

All submissions must be emailed in full to [email protected]

by 8.30am on Tuesday 30^th June.

When submitting your question or statement please note that:  

- You can submit one question or one statement.

- A question may include a short pre-amble to set the context.  

- It must be a single question, and any sub-divided questions will not be permitted. 

- Each question will consist of no more than 450 words, and you will be given up to three minutes to present your question.  

- When submitting a question please indicate who the question is for (e.g. the name of the committee or Portfolio Holder)  

- Include your name, address, and contact details.  Only your name will be published but we may need your other details to contact you about your question or statement in advance of the meeting.  

- Questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

- All questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.  

Dorset Council Constitution - Procedure Rule 9

Councillor Questions

Councillors can submit up to two valid questions at each meeting and sub divided questions count towards this total. Questions and statements received will be published as a supplement to the agenda and all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.

The submissions must be emailed in full to [email protected]

by 8.30am on Tuesday 30^th June 2026.

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13

There was no public participation.

To provide notification of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s preferred candidate for the role of Chief Constable for Dorset Police, and to seek confirmation of this proposed appointment, as required by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Cllr Keddie welcomed Deputy Chief Constable Farrell (DCC Farrell), the preferred candidate for the position of Chief Constable and outlined the process of the confirmation hearing.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) introduced DCC Farrell and advised that the Chief Constable role was integral to the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan and the priorities identified by the public. The PCC paid tribute to the previous Chief Constable, thanking her for her dedicated service and significant contribution to Dorset Police. Members were informed that a full recruitment process had been undertaken to identify a candidate capable of supporting the force in reducing crime and delivering the objectives of the Police and Crime Plan. The PCC noted that a recruitment video had been produced as part of the process and that attracting candidates to Chief Constable roles remained an ongoing challenge. The PCC then outlined the recruitment process that had been followed in making the appointment.

DCC Farrell was invited to introduce herself to the Panel. She provided members with an overview of her background and outlined her reasons for seeking appointment as Chief Constable of Dorset Police (00:34:08 on recording). DCC Farrell stated that she cared deeply about public service and was proud of Dorset Police, highlighting the talent and dedication of its officers and staff in achieving strong outcomes for communities. She described Dorset Police as a “small but mighty” force and advised that, if appointed, her role would be to support and empower officers and staff to protect the communities they served. She also emphasised the importance of investing in people, strengthening trust and confidence within communities, maintaining a visible and connected presence across Dorset, and ensuring that Dorset Police continued to strive for improvement in its pursuit of keeping Dorset safe.

Panel Members were then given the opportunity to put forward questions to the PCC and DCC Farrell (00:38:09 on recording).

Cllr Keddie felt the process had been conducted well but would have welcomed more candidates. He noted wider national issues relating to the selection of Chief Constables, which were beyond the Panel’s remit but felt that it should be noted.

The Chief Executive (OPCC) confirmed that the candidate met the criteria for the post as set out in the role profile.

DCC Farrell responded to questions (01:02:56 on recording) and welcomed scrutiny, recognising the importance of accountability and confirming that she would work constructively with the Panel. She stated that governance arrangements enabled the force to monitor delivery effectively and provided clear expectations, adding that she welcomed discussions on where improvements were needed. DCC Farrell highlighted neighbourhood policing as a key strength and noted that neighbourhood engagement was subject to robust oversight arrangements.

Cllr Keddie thanked DCC Farrell for attending the meeting and for her detailed responses to Members’ questions. Thanks, were also extended to officers for their work in supporting the recruitment process.

Proposed by, Cllr David Flagg, seconded by Cllr Peter Sideaway

Decision: That the press and the public be excluded for the following item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The Panel members retired to make their decision.

Proposed by: Cllr Alasdair Keddie, seconded by Cllr Simon Gibson

Decision: That the appointment of Ms Rachell Farrell to the role of Chief Constable was approved.

To elect a Chair and Vice Chair of the Police and Crime Panel Committee.

It was Proposed by Cllr David Flagg and seconded by Cllr Peter Sideaway that Cllr Alasdair Keddie be elected as Chair of the Police and Crime Panel.

It was proposed by Cllr Alasdair Keddie and seconded by Cllr Carl Woode that Cllr Louise Bown be appointed Vice-Chair of the Police and Crime Panel.

Decision: that Cllr Alasdair Keddie and Cllr Louise Bown was appointed as chair and Vice Chair of the Police and Crime Panel.

To receive the Q4 Monitoring Report 2025/26

The Police and Crime Commissioner reported that total crime had fallen, with burglary and acquisitive crime significantly reduced. He noted that, despite the closure of the Hotspot Action Fund, Dorset Police remained accountable for delivery. Reference was also made to national data on vehicle crime.

The Panel heard that regular road safety enforcement campaigns had taken place, including a joint operation with the DVLA earlier in the year. The PCC also highlighted a recent blog on protecting Dorset businesses and ongoing work to improve outcomes in tackling shoplifting.

A review of mobile police stations had been completed, identifying areas for further consideration, with a further review requested following the busy summer period. Progress was also reported on the implementation of the High-Risk Victim Service, with future updates to be provided to the Panel.

The PCC outlined work to address substance misuse, including campaigns aimed at young people to raise awareness of the risks associated with ketamine, alongside continued lobbying for a change in its classification. Through Operation Scorpion, 92 arrests had been made and illegal drugs and weapons removed from the streets.

Members were also informed about support for domestic abuse victims through the provision of emergency “grab bags”, increased enforcement activity relating to waste crime and fly-tipping, and locally funded educational initiatives in schools to help prevent crime among young people. Reference was made to work supporting restrictions on smartphone use in schools, with 14 schools in Dorset having introduced a ban.

The PCC concluded by reiterating efforts to secure fairer funding for Dorset.

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority one – Cut Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (02:35:23 on the recording).

• Anticipated effect of hotspot action fund closure, future plans to sustain the positive effects that's had? 
• How does Dorset track against the national data in relation to vehicle crime and theft offences? 
• How does the prevention of escalating neighbourhood disputes feature within your Police and Crime Plan, and what strategic measures are you driving to address risks such as intimidation and criminal damage? 
• Can the commissioner provide an overview of what level of funding is attributed to the community initiative Operation Relentless; how much has been spent and on what? 
• With regards to escooters and bikes, the Force were considering trialling a scheme run in Manchester.  Is there any progress to report?  Also, how successful were the days of action at Kinson, and are the schemes going to be rolled out more widely? 

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (02:56:50 on recording) and at appendix 1.

In accordance with Procedural Rule 8.1 the committee voted to extend the duration of the meeting.

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority two – Make Policing More Visible and Connected (03:14:44 on the recording).

• What action is the PCC taking to ensure that policing has a digital evidence management system that is fit for purpose based on current technology  

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (03:16:45 on recording) and at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To update members on the Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report

The Police and Crime Commissioner updated the Panel and reported that progress had been good. Members were informed that Dorset was now ranked as the fourth safest area, having previously been ranked tenth. It was also noted that levels of antisocial behaviour were at their lowest since 2008. The Commissioner commended the report and confirmed that performance would continue to be reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Cllr Keddie stated that he had read the report and commended the effort and level of detail contained within it. He noted the positive figures relating to antisocial behaviour and referenced the lived experiences of residents within communities. He emphasised the importance of continuing to highlight such issues and maintain appropriate scrutiny. Cllr Keddie thanked Dorset Police for their continued efforts.

To receive a verbal update from the Service Manager for Assurance, and review the Complaints Protocol.

The Panel received an update on complaints since the last meeting. One complaint had been investigated by the Monitoring Officer and was not upheld, while a further complaint had recently been received and would be investigated.

The Complaints Sub-Committee had met following the Panel meeting on 6 February 2025 and concluded that a complaint had been managed in accordance with the Complaints Protocol, except in relation to timeliness. It also agreed that an explanatory letter should be issued to clarify the escalation process for an unresolved element of the complaint.

The Panel considered proposed amendments to the Complaints Protocol, aligned with Dorset Council’s complaints policy, to improve the management of AI-generated complaints, including requiring submission via the existing e-form and allowing lengthy submissions to be summarised.

It was Proposed by Cllr Alasdair Keddie, and seconded by Cllr Cameron Adams, that the adoption of the proposed revisions be agreed.

Decision: The proposed revisions to the Complaints Protocol were agreed.

To discuss the Forward Workplan.

The forward workplan was noted and members agreed the focus for the next meeting.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.  

There is no additional exempt business scheduled.

There was no additional exempt business.