Dorset Police

Dorset County Constabulary was formed in 1856. In 1965, it had an establishment of 544 and an actual strength of 466.The Thin Blue Line, Police Council for Great Britain Staff Side Claim for Undermanning Supplements, 1965 On 1 October 1967, it merged with Bournemouth Borough Police to form Dorset and Bournemouth Constabulary.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/about-us/about-us/force-facts/#:~:text=History,and%20acquired%20its%20present%20name.|title=Force facts | Dorset Police}}

On 1 April 1974, this force took over some areas (mainly Christchurch and its hinterland) from Hampshire Constabulary and acquired its present name of Dorset Police.

• 1924{{ndash}}1955 Peel Yates{{Cite news |title=Police Officer Profile: Lt. Col. Ronald Berry Greenwood |url=https://www.dcpolicingmuseum.co.uk/stories/police-officer-profile-lt-col-ronald-berry-greenwood/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=The Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall |language=en}}
• 1955{{ndash}}1962 Ronald Berry Greenwood
• 1962{{ndash}}1967 Arthur Hambleton

• 1967{{ndash}}1974 Arthur Hambleton

• 1974{{ndash}}1980 Arthur Hambleton{{Cite news|title=Arthur Hambleton|newspaper=The Times|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/arthur-hambleton-qr088r2qz8d|access-date=2021-02-18|issn=0140-0460}}
• 1981{{ndash}}1982 David Owen{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Tom |date=2017-01-24 |title=Former North Wales Police chief constable dies |url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/former-north-wales-police-chief-12499885 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=North Wales Live |language=en}}
• 1982{{ndash}} 1995 Brian Weight
• 1995{{ndash}}1998 D. W. Aldous{{Cite web|title=Chief Police Officers (Hansard, 16 June 1998)|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1998/jun/16/chief-police-officers|access-date=2021-02-18|website=api.parliament.uk}}
• 1999{{ndash}}2004 Jane Stichbury{{Cite web|title=New Forest woman is police chief|url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5635112.new-forest-woman-is-police-chief/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=Daily Echo|date=13 May 1999 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Dorset lives – In the public service {{!}} Dorset Life – The Dorset Magazine|url=https://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2010/12/dorset-lives-in-the-public-service/|access-date=2021-02-18|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Police Professional {{!}} New chief for Dorset|url=https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/new-chief-for-dorset/|access-date=2021-02-18|language=en-US}}
• 2005{{ndash}}2012 Martin Baker{{Cite news|date=2012-09-07|title=Dorset Police Chief Constable Martin Baker resigns|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-19523330|access-date=2021-02-18}}
• 2012{{ndash}}2018 Debbie Simpson{{Cite news|date=2018-01-12|title=Dorset Police's Chief Constable Debbie Simpson to retire|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-42666874|access-date=2021-02-18}}
• 2018{{ndash}}2021 James Vaughan
• 2021–2023 Scott Chilton{{Cite web|last=Streeter|first=Michael|date=2021-08-12|title=Scott Chilton confirmed as new Dorset Police Chief Constable|url=https://www.gillingham-news.co.uk/scott-chilton-confirmed-as-new-dorset-police-chief-constable/|access-date=2021-08-15|website=Gillingham News|language=en-GB|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815172449/https://www.gillingham-news.co.uk/scott-chilton-confirmed-as-new-dorset-police-chief-constable/|url-status=dead}}
• 2023{{ndash}}present Amanda Pearson{{Cite web |title=New police chief: 'I am not going to turn everything upside down and start again' |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23306015.dorsets-new-chief-constable-amanda-pearson-police-plan/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Bournemouth Echo |date=8 February 2023 |language=en}}

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson, started her role on 1 March 2023, after her predecessor Scott Chilton moved to the same role in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. She is the third female chief constable of Dorset Police, after Jane Stichbury and Debbie Simpson. Pearson started her policing career in 1993 and has worked at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Hertfordshire Constabulary, the City of London Police and Thames Valley Police, before joining the Metropolitan Police, where she worked as a Chief Officer. Whilst here, Pearson was the spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police's tactic of officers being able to knock moped thieves off their bikes. Pearson was also the programme lead for the Police Plan of Action on Inclusion and Race, a role in which in 2021, she stated that she had 'never seen' an officer being racist, whilst she was working in the Metropolitan Police.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-19 |title=Head of police action plan on race says she has 'never seen' an officer being racist |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-race-action-plan-officers-b1960942.html |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/about-us/about-us/our-people/chief-constable-amanda-pearson/|title=Chief Constable Amanda Pearson | Dorset Police}}{{Cite web |title=Police Oracle |url=https://touch.policeoracle.com/news/article.cfm?id=110363 |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=touch.policeoracle.com}}{{Cite news |date=2018-11-23 |title=Met Police allowed to knock moped thieves off bikes at high speed |language=en-GB |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/met-police-allowed-to-knock-moped-thieves-off-bikes-at-high-speed/37559059.html |access-date=2023-12-02 |issn=0307-1235}}

Dorset Police was formerly responsible to the Dorset Police Authority, which was replaced in 2012 by the elected Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The first PCC was independent Martyn Underhill, who served between 22 November 2012 and 12 May 2021. {{As of|2021|5}}, the PCC is David Sidwick, who represents the Conservative Party.

The force covers an area of {{convert|1024|sqmi|km2}} with a population of 774,000,{{cite web |title=Overview: Dorset Police |url=https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/police-forces/dorset/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |publisher=HMICFRS}} which increases in the tourist season. In 2022, Dorset Police received 121,798 emergency calls on 999.{{Cite web |last=Police |first=Dorset |title=FOI Disclosure Log |url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/ps/lists-registers/foi-disclosure-log/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=Dorset Police |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306103903/https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/ps/lists-registers/foi-disclosure-log/ |url-status=dead }}

In 2023, Dorset Police:{{Cite web |title=News Article - Dorset Police |url=https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/01f61913-899e-ee11-9d5e-6045bdd24049 |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=news.dorset.police.uk}}

• Received 323,000 contacts from 999, 101, online and in person
• Attended 57,489 incidents
• Made 8,500 arrests
• Located 4,392 missing people

Officers in Dorset have legal jurisdiction throughout all of England and Wales, including areas that have their own special police forces, as do all police officers of territorial police forces (as per Section 30 of the Police Act 1996).{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/16/section/30|title=Police Act 1996}} Officers also have limited powers in Scotland and Northern Ireland (as per Section 137 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994).{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/33/section/137|title=Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994}}

Other police services work alongside Dorset Police in the county. This includes the British Transport Police (BTP), who are responsible for policing of the rail network in Great Britain.{{Cite web |title= About us|url=https://www.btp.police.uk/about_us.aspx}} Their office for Dorset is at Bournemouth railway station.{{Cite web|url=https://bournemouth.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/british-transport-police-15842645.html|title=▷ British Transport Police, Bournemouth}}

File:England - Dorset Police (bell) (6421765325).jpg

Port of Portland Police is a non-Home Office ports police force within Dorset that is responsible for the Port of Portland. In July 2020, the Port Police agreed a memorandum of understanding with Dorset Police to involve the sharing of assets, improving communication and allowing the collation of information.{{Cite web|title=|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/article/10433}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Since 2014, air support has been provided by National Police Air Service (NPAS).{{cite news |date=October 2012 |title=New police air service takes off |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19781996 |access-date=23 May 2014}} Its nearest helicopter is based at Bournemouth Airport and also supports nearby police forces.{{Cite web |title=Bases map {{!}} National Police Air Service |url=https://www.npas.police.uk/bases |access-date=2020-02-22 |website=npas.police.uk}}

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) provides advice to all policing units on crime-related matters and maintaining a corporate approach to reducing crime, as well as providing specialist and investigative roles. CID is split into numerous sub-departments, which include: Child Protect Investigation, Intelligence Directorate, Scientific Support.{{cite web|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/cid/|title=Criminal Investigation Department|publisher=Dorset Police|access-date=8 February 2023|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306103903/https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/cid/|url-status=dead}}

The Dog Section was established in 1953; the unit is based in Eastern Division HQ in Ferndown. The unit comprises one inspector, one sergeant, 13 constables and 22 dogs, including general purpose German Shepherds and more specialist breeds.{{cite web |title=Dog Section |url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/specialist-operations/dog-section/ |access-date=8 February 2023 |publisher=Dorset Police |archive-date=1 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301225151/https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/specialist-operations/dog-section/ |url-status=dead }}

The Marine Unit is responsible for policing the 89 miles of Dorset's coastline and up to 12 miles out to sea. The area is one of the busiest coastal areas in the UK, including two of the busiest ports, numerous shipping lanes, thousands of private moorings, the RNLI's busiest callout area and a training centre for the Royal Marines.{{cite web |title=Marine Section |url=http://www.dorset.police.uk/Default.aspx?page=523 |access-date=3 April 2011 |publisher=Dorset Police |archive-date=17 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217074220/http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=523 |url-status=dead }}

The Ports Policing Unit is responsible for policing all ports in Dorset including Poole Harbour, Swanage Harbour, Portland Harbour, Weymouth Harbour, Christchurch Harbour and Bournemouth Airport.{{Cite web |title=The Small Ports Unit of Dorset Police {{!}} Cobb's Quay Berth Holders Association |url=https://www.cqbha.org/?page_id=1949 |access-date=2023-07-12 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=The Small Ports Unit of Dorset Police {{!}} PYC Cruising Section Bookings and Information |url=https://www.pyccruising-section.co.uk/the-small-ports-unit-of-dorset-police/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |language=en-GB}}

The force is responsible for policing road across the county. There are no motorways located within Dorset. Dorset Police have around 450 vehicles, from 20 different manufacturers, and drive a total of 7.5{{nbsp}}million miles a year.{{cite web|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/transport/|title=Transport Department|publisher=Dorset Police|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928031140/https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/transport/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/specialist-operations/traffic/|title=Traffic Department|publisher=Dorset Police|access-date=15 August 2021|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815181126/https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/specialist-operations/traffic/|url-status=dead}} The Roads Policing Unit (RPU) also features the No Excuse Team, launched in 2010, which aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Dorset roads;{{Cite web |title=No Excuse – Dorset Road Safe Partnership |url=https://dorsetroadsafe.org.uk/enforcement-operations/no-excuse/#:~:text=Dorset%20Police%20launched%20the%20%27No,officers,%20supported%20by%20special%20constables. |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=dorsetroadsafe.org.uk}}

and the Interceptor Team, launched in 2023, which targets criminals using the road network within Dorset.{{Cite web |last=Police |first=Dorset |title=NewsArticle |url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/news/article/3f3de5ab-c9a3-ed11-9d52-6045bdd24049 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=Dorset Police |language=en |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203183050/https://www.dorset.police.uk/news/article/3f3de5ab-c9a3-ed11-9d52-6045bdd24049 |url-status=dead }}

The Tactical Firearms Unit responds to major and serious crimes where firearms are involved.{{cite web|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/specialist-operations/tactical-firearms-unit/|title=Tactical Firearms Unit|publisher=Dorset Police|access-date=8 February 2023|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306103916/https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/specialist-operations/tactical-firearms-unit/|url-status=dead}}

{{excessive detail|section|date=July 2024|reason=The whole table should be deleted as the contents are summarised well in the preceding prose}}

The force headquarters is at Winfrith. Police stations open to the public are located at Blandford, Bournemouth Central, Bridport, Gillingham, Poole, Sherborne, Swanage and Weymouth.

Stations without a public front desk are Boscombe, Dorchester, Ferndown, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, Verwood, Wareham, Wimborne and Winton.{{cite web|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/contact-us/visit-us/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408081508/https://www.dorset.police.uk/contact-us/visit-us/|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 April 2017|publisher=Dorset Police|access-date=22 February 2020|title=Visit Us}}

There are two custody suites at Bournemouth Central and Weymouth Police station.{{Cite web|title=All systems go for new police base|url=https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/5391793.all-systems-go-for-new-police-base/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Dorset Echo|date=8 January 2002 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Bournemouth Custody Suite {{!}} Kendall Kingscott|url=https://www.kendallkingscott.co.uk/projects/bournemouth-custody-suite|access-date=2021-02-19|website=kendallkingscott.co.uk}}{{Cite web|title=Police station custody suite to effectively close|url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/9143009.police-station-custody-suite-to-effectively-close/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Bournemouth Echo|date=16 July 2011 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=REVEALED: Time in a police cell costs more than a stay in a 5-star luxury hotel suite|url=https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/13364617.revealed-time-in-a-police-cell-costs-more-than-a-stay-in-a-5-star-luxury-hotel-suite/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Dorset Echo|date=2 July 2015 |language=en}}

In September 2017, the Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team moved to the fire station on Fairmile, further advancing the relationship with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-34458017|publisher=BBC|access-date=22 February 2020|title = Christchurch police station set for closure}}

{{See also|Police ranks of the United Kingdom|Special Constabulary}}

Dorset Police uses the standard British police ranks, indicated by epaulettes, up to chief constable. Special constable's collar numbers begin with either the number '3' or '4' and consist of four numbers.

Dorset Police's officer rank structure, with epaulette design, is as follows (from highest to lowest):{{British Police Rank Insignia}}

{{main|Police uniforms and equipment in the United Kingdom}}

File:Ensbury Park, a Dorset Police helmet - geograph.org.uk - 3045586.jpg, Bournemouth. Since 1863, the custodian helmet has been worn by male police constables and sergeants while on foot patrol.]]

In 2012, Dorset Police officers moved from blue shirts to black wicking tops (PCSOs wear blue wicking tops). They either wear hi-visibility or black tactical vests on top of body armour.{{Cite web |date=2014-07-15 |title=Police Community |url=http://police.community/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Police Community |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Police Professional {{!}} New career path for PCSOs to become investigators |url=https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/new-career-path-for-pcsos-to-become-investigators/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=dorset police officer - Google Search |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=dorset+police+officer&tbm=isch#imgrc=g9OubZ6-lpUklM |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=www.google.com}}{{Cite web |title=Police Professional {{!}} Dorset Police chief constable vows to get tough on crime |url=https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/dorset-police-chief-constable-vows-to-get-tough-on-crime/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |language=en-US}}

Dorset Police use Motorola MXP600 TETRA digital radios. They also use rigid handcuffs, limb restraints, telescopic batons and incapacitant spray.{{Cite web |title=Police set to target recreational drug users in winter crackdown |url=https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/23085752.dorset-police-crackdown-recreational-drug-users/ |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=Dorset Echo |date=29 October 2022 |language=en}}

Some officers carry the Conducted Energy Device (CED) Axon TASER, a non-lethal electroshock weapon used to incapacitate targets via shocks of 50,000{{nbsp}}volts. As of 2021, there were 374 officers trained in using TASER.

Firearms officers carry rifles and a pistol as their sidearm.

Some officers are trained in the use of 'stinger' (also known as a spike strip), that slowly releases air from tyres of a vehicle when it goes over it.{{Cite web |date=2017-02-28 |title=Stinger catches driver on Twin Sails during police pursuit |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15119986.stinger-catches-driver-on-twin-sails-during-police-pursuit/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Bournemouth Echo |language=en}}File:Vauxhall Astra Estate (2017).jpg pictured in 2020]]

Previously, Dorset Police Transport Services manage the force's 450 vehicles, across its divisional units, road policing unit, and armed response.{{cite web | url = https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/transport/ | title = Transport Services | publisher = Dorset Police | access-date = 19 May 2021 | archive-date = 19 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210519073747/https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/transport/ | url-status = dead }} However, in 2016, Dorset's Fleet Services aligned with Devon & Cornwall's as part of a proposed force merger.{{Cite web |last=Police |first=Dorset |title=Fleet Services |url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/transport/ |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=Dorset Police |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306103942/https://www.dorset.police.uk/accessing-information/about-dorset-police/departments-sections/transport/ |url-status=dead }} As a result, there are now seven workshops available across the three counties, and Dorset manages and maintains approximately 500 vehicles as part of 'Alliance Fleet Services'.

As of 2020, Dorset Police had 429 vehicles which included 338 cars, 83 vans and 8 motorcycles. Examples of the vehicle makes and models that Dorset Police have used or currently use include vehicles made by Vauxhall, Ford and Mercedes.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-16 |title=Fleet List - a Freedom of Information request to Dorset Police |url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/fleet_list_2058 |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=WhatDoTheyKnow |language=en}}

The British Crime Survey for 2010 found that there was an overall fall in crime in Dorset by 2.5%, and the largest fall in crime was robbery, which fell by 20%, making Dorset Police the eighth best performing force out of 43 in England and Wales, and first in forces similar to Dorset.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisdorset.co.uk/news/Dorset-crime-figures/article-1771974-detail/article.html|title=Dorset crime figures down|newspaper=Western Gazette|date=29 January 2010|access-date=3 April 2011}}

The performance figures from Dorset Police comparing April to December 2009 with the same period during 2008, showed a 9.9% drop in burglary, an 8.5% drop in criminal damage, a 3.5% fall in vehicle crime, a 3% drop in total violent crime, and a 17.8% fall in the most serious violent crime. Criminal damage fell by 5.8%, violence against the person without injury by 9.3%, violence against the person by 5.2%, drug offences by 5.1% and there was a 2.8% fall in total recorded crime.{{cite web|url=http://www.weymouthpeople.co.uk/news/Dorset-police-statistics-Christmas-New-Year-crime-falls/story-4557353-detail/story.html|title=Dorset police statistics over Christmas and New Year – crime falls|publisher=Weymouth People|access-date=3 April 2011|date=12 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320171130/http://www.weymouthpeople.co.uk/news/Dorset-police-statistics-Christmas-New-Year-crime-falls/story-4557353-detail/story.html|archive-date=20 March 2012}}

According to the British Crime Survey, 63.8% of people think Dorset Police deals with local concerns, making Dorset the best performing force in England and Wales for that issue.

Some 9.9% of people say there is a high level of perceived anti-social behaviour, making Dorset the eighth best performing force in England and Wales – and the top performing force among its family of five most similar forces. Some 17.6% of people said there was a big problem with drugs while 18.8% of people in Dorset said there was a big problem with drunk and rowdy behaviour. 51.6% of people in Dorset agreed that the police and local councils were dealing with issues, making Dorset the twelfth best performing force in England and Wales.{{cite web|url=http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=4156|title=Total crime in Dorset is down – Along with violent, sexual, robbery, criminal damage and drug offences|publisher=Dorset Police|date=21 January 2010|access-date=3 April 2011|archive-date=19 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719011908/http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=4156|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/li/recorded_crime.in.weymouth/|title=Recorded crime in Weymouth|newspaper=Dorset Echo|access-date=3 April 2011}}

In 2010, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services since 2017) (HMICFRS) graded Dorset Police overall as 'fair' on local crime and policing, protection from serious harm, confidence and satisfaction. In detail they were graded as 'fair' at neighbourhood policing, neighbourhood presence and solving crime. They were rated as 'good' at reducing crime. They were graded 'excellent' at suppressing gun crime, suppressing knife crime, comparative satisfaction of the BME community, confidence in the police and proportion of police cost met by council. They were scored 'poor' and 'stable' on reducing road death and injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.hmic.gov.uk/PoliceReportCard/Dorset/Pages/ReportCard.aspx?BCUID=0&ForceID=10|title=Report Card|publisher=Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary|date=13 March 2010|access-date=3 April 2011}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

HMICFRS conducts a periodic police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) inspection of each police service's performance. This is judged as follows:

• Effectiveness: Reducing crime and keeping people safe

• Efficiency: How the force operates and how sustainable its services are to the public

• Legitimacy: How legitimately does the force treat the public and its workforce

In its latest PEEL inspections, Dorset Police were rated as follows (ungraded means that it wasn't given a score, not that it was necessarily un-markable):{{cite web |date=13 April 2022 |title=PEEL 2021/22 Police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy: An inspection of Dorset Police |url=https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/wp-content/uploads/peel-assessment-2021-22-dorset |access-date=21 April 2022 |publisher=Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services }}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web |title=Dorset |url=https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/peel-assessments/peel-2018/dorset/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services |language=en-GB}}

In December 2014, Dorset Police was criticised during a review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) for the way they investigated offences, with a backlog of cases in the Safeguarding Referral Unit. The report from that year found that whilst crime had continued to fall at a greater rate in Dorset than England and Wales, levels of victim satisfaction were slightly below average for some crimes.{{Cite web |date=2014-12-04 |title=Criticism for Dorset Police |url=https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/11645679.criticism-for-dorset-police-over-way-it-investigates-some-offences/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=Bridport and Lyme Regis News |language=en}}

In November 2022, a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was published about Dorset Police and seven other forces into their standards of vetting. It uncovered that due to poor vetting standards there could be 'hundreds, if not thousands, of corrupt police officers serving in England and Wales'.{{Cite news|url=https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/dorset/news/vetting-failures-thousands-corrupt-police-officers/|title=Vetting failures could mean thousands of corrupt police officers: Dorset one of 8 forces scrutinised|newspaper=Greatest Hits Radio }}

In May 2025, Police Constable Lorne Castle, accused of putting his hands on a 15-year-old boy's throat while arresting him was dismissed for gross misconduct. The officer admitted misconduct during a hearing at force headquarters in Winfrith, but denied gross misconduct. BBC A police officer accused of putting his hands on a 15-year-old boy's throat while arresting him has been dismissed for gross misconduct.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y6qjjp4ppo (Accessed 10 June) Dorset Police Federation were critical of the way Dorset Police had dealt with PC Castle. He had been reported by colleagues. Dorset Police Federation Responds Following PC Lorne Castle’s Dismissal 8 June 2025 https://dorseteye.com/dorset-police-federation-responds-following-pc-lorne-castles-dismissal/ (accessed 10 June 2025)

In 2006 the Home Office announced plans to reduce the number of police forces in the UK from 42 to 24.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4825524.stm|title=Police forces 'to be cut to 24' |publisher=BBC News|date=20 March 2006|access-date=3 March 2011}} This would have seen Dorset Police merge with Gloucestershire Constabulary, Devon and Cornwall Police, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Wiltshire Police. The plans were publicly criticised by all the involved forces, stating that it would lead to poor quality service and a reduction in local policing.{{cite news|url=http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/5017592.Concerns_over_police_merger_plans |title=Concerns over police merger plans|newspaper=Salisbury Journal|date=19 February 2010|access-date=3 April 2011}} The merger plans were abandoned in August 2006 by the then Home Secretary, John Reid.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1526849/Abandoned-police-force-merger-plans-cost-11m.html|title=Abandoned police force merger plans cost £11m|last=Dawar|first=Anil|journal=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=2006-08-20|access-date=2017-12-01|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}

Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police announced in December 2013 that their Chief Constables and PCCs were exploring opportunities for greater collaboration; to save costs without reducing service, and share assets, resources, expertise and best practice. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) defines a strategic alliance as: "An agreement between two or more forces to pursue a set of agreed objectives, while retaining separate identities." A strategic alliance was agreed to in March 2015, covering over 30 administrative and operational business areas (almost 40% of the total activity of the two forces). These business areas include admin services, finance, human resources, fleet services and ICT, together with some specialist policing teams. The first joint teams became operational in April 2016. In each business area, there is a single team and management structure made up from people from both organisations, to work on behalf of both forces. Any costs and savings are shared in proportion to the size of each force. So far{{when|date=February 2018}} the strategic alliance project is on track to achieve the initial target of £12{{nbsp}}million of combined annual savings by 2018.

In September 2017, it was announced that Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police were looking at merging to form a single force.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-41174849|title=Police forces reveal merger plans|date=2017-09-06|publisher=BBC News|access-date=2018-05-12|language=en-GB}} This was cancelled in October 2018 when the PCC for Devon and Cornwall was unwilling to submit the merger plans to the Home Office for consideration.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-45764056|title=Devon, Cornwall and Dorset Police force merger 'off'|date=2018-10-05|publisher=BBC News|access-date=2018-11-19|language=en-GB}}

{{See also|List of British police officers killed in the line of duty}}

The Police Roll of Honour Trust and Police Memorial Trust list and commemorate all British police officers killed in the line of duty. Since its establishment in 1984, the Police Memorial Trust has erected 50 memorials nationally to some of those officers.

The Dorset Police Male Voice Choir was founded on 4 July 1995 as independent charity that today has 60 members, that perform regularly throughout Dorset. The choir has performed throughout England and also France, Guernsey, Ireland and the USA. The choir has so far raised over £250,000 for charity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dorsetpolicemalevoicechoir.co.uk/about_us|title=About Us|website=DPMVC|language=en|access-date=2020-02-22}}

• The 2006 book Bobbies on the Beat: 150 Years of the Dorset Police by Melvin Hann presents the history of the Dorset Police Force to mark the 150th anniversary.{{Cite book|last=Hann|first=Melvin|date=21 July 2006|title=Bobbies on the Beat: 150 Years of Dorset Police|id={{ASIN|1904349455|country=uk}}}}
• The 2018 book Operation Countryman: The Flawed Enquiry into London Police Corruption by former Metropolitan Police officer Kirby Dick, discusses Operation Countryman, an investigation into police corruption in London in the late 1970s, on which then Home Secretary, Merlyn Rees, appointed Dorset Police to investigate. The investigation was led by then Dorset Police Chief Constable, Arthur Hambleton, to which Dick describes in his book as 'shambolic'.{{Cite book|url=https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Operation-Countryman-Paperback/p/14719|title=Operation Countryman|date=2018-03-19|isbn=978-1-5267-1254-7|language=en|last1=Kirby|first1=Dick|publisher=Pen & Sword Books Limited }}
• In March 2017, an episode of The Kyle Files, presented by Jeremy Kyle, featured the No Excuse and Traffic unit. The 30-minute documentary featured Kyle joining the units on patrol, focusing on the dangers at the wheel, such as drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, speeding and Operation Dragoon, Dorset Police's approach to tackling the most dangerous road users.The episode was filmed in October 2016 and aired on ITV on 6 March 2017.{{Cite web|title=Dorset Police officers to appear on Jeremy Kyle on Monday night|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/article/2430|access-date=2021-02-19|website=dorset.police.uk|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• In October 2017, Gordon Ramsay's documentary Gordon Ramsay on Cocaine, featured Ramsay joining the Traffic Unit on patrol in Bournemouth, for a special operation to tackle the issue of drug driving. The episode was filmed in April 2017 and the two-part programme aired on ITV on 19 October and 26 October 2017.{{Cite web|title=Dorset Police officers to appear in ITV cocaine documentary alongside Gordon Ramsay|url=https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/article/3821|access-date=2021-02-19|website=dorset.police.uk|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• The TV series Broadchurch is about police detectives investigating crimes in a small town in Dorset, although the police force in the series is fictionalized and referred to as "Wessex Police".

• Law enforcement in the United Kingdom
• List of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories
• Murder of Heather Barnett (a murder that occurred in the Charminster area of Bournemouth by convicted serial killer Danilo Restivo)
• Murder of Jong-Ok Shin (a murder that occurred in the Charminster area of Bournemouth. Omar Benguit was convicted after a second re-trial. It has been suspected the killer may have been Danilo Restivo)
• Killing of Claire Parry (Parry died in Parley after her neck was compressed by serving Police Constable Timothy Brehmer after he feared she'd inform his wife of their affair)
• Murder of Thomas Roberts (Roberts was murdered in Bournemouth by convicted murderer Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai, who had previously killed two men by shooting them with a Kalisnikov rifle in Serbia)
• Murder of Sir Richard Sutton (Sutton was murdered near Gillingham by his step-son, Thomas Schreiber, who also attempted to murder his mother, Anne Schreiber)
• Operation Hornbill (an operation to identify a person blackmailing Tesco, threatening to harm customers if their demands—for Clubcards, modified so that the holder could withdraw cash from ATMs—were not met)
• Operation Countryman (an operation into police corruption in London in the late 1970s, led by Dorset Police)

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/police-forces/dorset Dorset] at HMICFRS
• {{YouTube|u=DorsetPoliceHQ}}
• [http://www.policememorial.org.uk/index.php?page=dorset-police Dorset Police Roll of Honour]

{{UK home nations police forces}}

{{Authority control}}

Police

Category:Police forces of England

Category:1855 establishments in England

Category:Organizations established in 1855