Dorset Police

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMI): Wendy Williams is HMI for Dorset.

This force is in the Wales and Western HMICFRS policing region.

Performance
News
Publications
Key Facts
About the force

Our PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) assessments give you information about how your local police force has performed in several important areas.

In our latest assessment of Dorset Police, we made the following judgments:

the extent to which the force is effective at reducing crime and keeping people safe is good.

the extent to which the force operates efficiently and sustainably is good.

the extent to which the force treats the public and its workforce legitimately is good.

Read the full report for Dorset Police

Key facts – 2019/20

Force Area

1,024 square miles

Population

0.774m people

6% local 10 yr change

Workforce

91% frontline police officers

92% national level

3.27 per 1000 population

3.54 national level

7% 10yr change in local workforce

14% 10yr national change

Victim-based crimes

0.06 per person

0.07 national level

47% Local 5 year trend

42% National 5 year trend

Cost

49p per person per day local

56p per person per day national

About the force

Dorset Police provides policing services to the county of Dorset. The police force area covers 1,024 square miles with approximately 140 miles of coastline in the south west of England.

Although there are some areas of deprivation, Dorset is generally affluent.

Around 0.8 million people live in a predominantly rural setting. The area has a number of distinct urban areas, including the towns of Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Dorchester. The resident population is increased by university students and the large numbers who visit, socialise in, or travel through the county each year.

The transport infrastructure includes air and sea ports.

What the force says

Connect with Dorset Police

Dorset Police website

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner’s website

Consultation closing soon: Expectations for police custody - closing 31 January 2022