Force facts

The county of Dorset

Dorset Police covers approximately 1,024 square miles of land and a similar body of water off the coastline. Whilst the policing area does not include a motorway, there are three very busy main roads and over 3,332 miles of roads to police.

Annually, Dorset Police provides a policing coverage for around 800,000 residents, which increases during term time with students from the universities and colleges.

Over 25 million people take day trips in Dorset to visit the beaches and beauty spots. Four million visitors stay overnight for short breaks or holidays.

The county, despite being classed as 93.7 per cent rural, includes an airport, and sea ports, serving internal and international freight, and passenger travel.

History

Dorset County Constabulary was formed in 1856.

On 1 October 1967 it merged with Bournemouth Borough Police to form Dorset and Bournemouth Constabulary.

On 1 April 1974 this force took over some sections (mainly Christchurch and its surrounding areas) from Hampshire Constabulary and acquired its present name.

Staff

We currently employ:

• 1,441 police officers
• 1,328 police staff
• 92 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)
• 106 special constables
• 109 volunteers, (excluding Community Speed Watch volunteers)
• 600 Community Speed Watch volunteers