DORSET victims of crime are less likely to have face to face contact with a police officer – as the force increasingly switches to online video interviews and phone calls as a means of saving money.

The steps come as a result of 'Project Evolve' – the force response to mounting budget pressures.

Dorset remains one of the lowest funded police authorities, by the Government, in the UK.

A report to the Dorset Police and Crime Panel outlines some of the cost-savings to be made , including: "evidence-based opportunities to further improve a range of operational functions, including optimising shift patterns, and improving the way officers can engage with members of the public through enhanced video contact."

The project has been kicked off by projected overspends – with the final three months of the 23/24 financial year showing an overspend of £313,000, which amounts to less than 2 per cent of the day to day revenue budget.

Reserve funds had to be used by the force to bridge the gap in spending, reducing the amount it has in the General Fund Balance to £5.78million, only 0.55 percent above the suggested minimum level of 3 per cent, with 5per cent seen as ideal. A contribution of around £272,000 was received from the office of the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner to ease the amount to be taken from police general reserves.

The biggest budget overspend in the year to the end of March 2024 has been £4.03million more than expected in pay and employment costs, partially from a pay award which was imposed, but not fully funded by the previous Government, and also from the cost of recruiting 27 new officers; together with more overtime payments than intended, although at a reduced amount compared to the previous year.

On capital spending the force was under-spent by £2.17million – with actual spending at £16.23m. The difference is made up of 'slippages' of £1.86m, where projects could not be started, or completed, on time and underspends of £312,000. The combined result reduced the need to borrow although although financial rules prevent capital spending being switched to day to day, or revenue use.

Of the £16.2million capital spend 77 per cent is shown as 'estate works'; 10 per cent on IT; 8 per cent on replacing vehicles and 5% on equipment.

Although not spelt out specifically in the report the 77per cent of 'estate works' may partially refer to a new headquarters building at Winfrith, slightly smaller, but more efficient than the block it will replace.

The costs of that building was on a fixed price contract for £14.5million although the figure does not include the, undisclosed, costs of demolishing the old building, nor any asbestos removal from the site.

Dorset councillors will discuss the report at the county's pan-Dorset police and crime panel meeting in Dorchester on Wednesday July 24th – which is open to the public and available to view online.