More about this area
The force says...
Dorset is a largely rural county with the large urban areas of Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. The county has approximately 90 miles of coastline, which includes the world heritage Jurassic Coast. The county also has an international airport and two sea ports.
People are attracted to Dorset to live, learn, work, relax or retire. 32% of the population, estimated at 777,000, is aged 60 or over. Dorset also attracts over 25 million day visitors annually and demand on policing increased by over 40% during the summer period of 2021. Urban areas of Boscombe, Weymouth and West Howe are among the most deprived areas nationally.
In 2021, Dorset supported Devon and Cornwall Police and Police Scotland during the significant international events of G7 and COP26. Alongside enforced Covid absences and increased public protest, this significantly impacted on demands placed on the Force.
To deliver focussed local policing with improved engagement and partnership alignment the force realigned the operating model to replicate the unitary authorities of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and Dorset County Councils. The force has a strong strategic alliance with Devon & Cornwall Police and collaborates with other agencies and forces.
In 2021 the force had 2,735 officers and staff and dealt with 182,632 calls for service, recording 50,174 crimes. The force recorded a 0.6% decrease in crime in 2021 when compared to 2020. The 2021 community safety survey found that 96% of respondents feel safe, with 79% feeling confident in the local police and that Dorset Police do a good job.
Crime has become more complex particularly in relation to domestic abuse and sexual offences. The force is also combating complex threats of cyber-crime, fraud, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and county lines. The risks associated with vulnerable young people and adults are also placing considerable additional demands on the force and partner agencies.
Disclaimer: the above statement has been prepared by Dorset Police. The views and information in it are not necessarily those of HMICFRS.