NPCC problem-solving portfolio lead and South Yorkshire Police chief constable Lauren Poultney underlined the importance of the Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) at the ATLAS national training conference and exhibition
At the ATLAS national training conference and exhibition, Lauren acknowledged the importance of the police service’s Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) and how the DOCO role contributes to effective and sustainable problem-solving across the country.
‘The profile of Designing Out Crime Officers is increasing’
Lauren Poultney commented: “In 2017, I established the national problem solving conference 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 increased demand for your expertise in support of the Safer Streets programme, security at Places of Worship and initiatives supporting reducing violence against women and girls.
‘Supporting the creation of safer places for people to live, work, and relax in’
“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.”
Chief Constable Watson reiterated the responsibility of the role
Also addressing the delegates at the 2023 Secured by Design ATLAS national training conference and exhibition was Greater Manchester’s Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM, who spoke passionately about policing’s prevention agenda and the potential of forthcoming legislative changes. Referencing the heartwrenching, emotive and inspiring presentation and address to the conference by Figen Murray OBE’s he said:
“Who here could not have been moved by Figen’s very powerful advocacy around Martyn’s law? When Martyn’s law becomes enacted I cannot imagine a room of more powerful, influential people to make manifest that which underpins the legislation.
“You are really important, and your role is really important. You as individuals have a very powerful, informative and, very often, determinative role in making the built environment safe and influencing that which we know to work. It is enormously important and of course with that privilege comes the great responsibility of doing it really well.
“It’s really important that it’s done well, professionally, wisely and in the public interest. You should feel very positive about all that you do for the public”.
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.
