TOP officers in Dorset are introducing changes to policing - with new roles for some PCSOs due to be implemented early next year.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Fielding said 29 of the police community support officers will become accredited as investigators, meaning they will interview victims of crime, among other new duties.

The Daily Echo revealed in June that plans to develop the role were being considered during a widescale review.

"Borderless policing" - which could see more officers sent to trouble hotspots at peak times - is also set to be introduced.

The changes form part of the force's OBD, or operational business design.

ACC Fielding said: "As part of the OBD, we are reviewing how we operate.

"There will be an opportunity for some of our PCSOs to be accredited as investigators and work in a different way.

"In total, 29 of the PCSOs will be offered this opportunity.

"They will still be working in communities and engaging with the public, but they will also be working with victims of crime as accredited investigators."

She said the scheme ensures the force is "meeting people's needs".

Police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill said he supports the plans.

"It's a career path for PCSOs," he said.

"At the moment, there's no clear structure for progression. This will change that."

Chief Superintendent Colin Searle said the aim of the OBD is to provide "the most efficient and effective policing we can".

As part of that, officers may soon be following a 'borderless policing' model which frees them from geographical restraints.

For example, officers usually based in more rural areas may be tasked to cover town centres during night-times as part of a programme of "pooling resources".

"There is particularly high demand in the conurbation, but we have to make sure we are satisfying the needs of rural areas as well," Ch Supt said.

"We need to respond to all in need, and particularly the vulnerable."

He said there is a "full and total commitment to continuing neighbourhood policing".

"Neighbourhood policing teams are very focused around partnership approach - we are always looking to engage at local level with key partners," he said.

"However, there is an increase in demand, and that is difficult for us."

He said "different brigading" will help the force to become more efficient.

"There is no cutting of individuals - it's about having the right resources in the right place to deliver high-quality policing in Dorset," he said.

"Neighbourhood resources are still there and still dedicated."