“Your role supports the creation of safer places for people to live”
National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Problem Solving portfolio lead and South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Lauren Poultney has underlined a growing awareness of the importance of the work of the Designing Out Crime Officer and how that work contributes to safer communities across the country.
Speaking at the 2023 Secured by Design ATLAS national training conference and exhibition Lauren, who is also Head of Profession for the police service’s Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), acknowledged how the DOCO role contributes to effective and sustainable problem solving across the country.
“In 2017 I established the national problem solving conference” she said, “and at the annual national problem solving conference we see many great examples of designing out crime in presentations, workshops and through the Tilley Awards.
“The profile of Designing Out Crime Officers is increasing, with greater awareness of what you can do across government departments, police and crime commissioners and our partners. I’ve also seen an increase in demand for your expertise in support of the Safer Streets programme, security at Places of Worship and initiatives supporting the reduction in violence against women and girls.
“With financial challenges ahead we must improve our systemic approach to crime prevention and ensure that wherever there is an opportunity to do so, crime is designed out before it happens – the investment in the role of Designing Out Crime Officers is an investment in preventing future victims.
“Your role supports the creation of safer places for people to live, work and relax in. Being safe and feeling safer is essential for our communities.”
The NPCC designated the DOCO role as a specialist role within policing in October 2021.
The Secured by Design (SBD) ATLAS national training conference and exhibition saw over 200 DOCOs from across the UK come together for a series of workshops and presentations, as part of their annual CPD to update themselves in their knowledge of new legislation, crime trends, security methodologies and other relevant subjects.