Local Policing

Overview

Local Policing is at the heart of everything we do. It brings together the officers, staff and volunteers who serve our communities every day - the people you see on your streets, in your neighbourhoods, and responding to your calls for help.

Local policing in Hampshire covers a wide range of responsibilities, from preventing crime and engaging with communities, to investigating offences and responding to emergencies. Our goal is simple: to keep every community safe and build public trust through visible, effective policing.

Structure

Local Policing is led by an Assistant Chief Constable (Local Policing), who provides strategic leadership across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The command is structured into four key areas:

• Eastern Area – covering Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham and Gosport

• Western Area – covering Southampton, Eastleigh and the New Forest

• Northern Area – covering Basingstoke, Hart & Rushmoor, Winchester, Test Valley and Andover

• Isle of Wight Area – covering the island’s policing districts and stations

Each area is led by a Chief Superintendent (Area Commander), supported by Superintendents and Chief Inspectors responsible for each district. Together, they ensure local policing is tailored to the unique needs of each community.

For more information on your local area and district commanders, visit our Local Commanders page.

Core Policing Model

The Local Policing Command (LPC) brings together several specialist teams that deliver frontline services across every community. These include:

• Prevention & Neighbourhoods – community engagement, problem-solving, enforcement and safeguarding

• Response – 24/7 emergency and non-emergency response officers

• Local Crime Investigations – district-based investigation teams handling priority and volume crime

• Task Forces – force-wide specialist units tackling serious violence and rural crime

Together, these teams form the foundation of Hampshire’s policing model — ensuring every call, concern, and community issue receives the right response from the right people.

How We Work

Our local policing approach is based on three principles:

1. Visibility – putting officers and PCSOs where the public needs them most

2. Proactivity – tackling crime and antisocial behaviour before they escalate

3. Partnership – working closely with councils, schools, and local organisations to find lasting solutions

Every district has dedicated neighbourhood teams and Local Bobbies, supported by response and investigative officers, ensuring joined-up, effective policing across all areas.

Find Out More

You can learn more about the different parts of Local Policing here:

• Local Policing Command (LPC)

• Local Commanders

• Local Policing Areas

• Local Bobbies