Dorset Constabulary

• 1924–1955 Peel Yates^[6]
• 1955–1962 Ronald Berry Greenwood^[6]
• 1962–1967 Arthur Hambleton^[7]

Dorset and Bournemouth Constabulary

• 1967–1974 Arthur Hambleton^[7]

Dorset Police

• 1974–1980 Arthur Hambleton^[7]
• 1981–1982 David Owen^[8]
• 1982– 1995 Brian Weight
• 1995–1998 D. W. Aldous^[9]
• 1999–2004 Jane Stichbury^[10][11][12]
• 2005–2012 Martin Baker^[12][13]
• 2012–2018 Debbie Simpson^[13][14]
• 2018–2021 James Vaughan^[14]
• 2021–2023 Scott Chilton^[15]
• 2023–present Amanda Pearson^[16]

The current Chief Constable, Amanda Pearson, started her role on 1 March 2023, after previous Chief Constable 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.^{[17][18][19][20]}

2010's

In June 2011, PC Richard Allen was dismissed after it was discovered that he'd had a relationship with a murder victim, who had also been victim to domestic abuse. Katarzyna Ryba was stabbed and then thrown out the window of her second-floor flat in Bournemouth by her ex-partner Piotr Zasada, in front of their three-year-old daughter in October 2009. Zasada was later sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 14 years and 62 days. Allen had been assigned to a case involving Ryba and Zasada, due to him continuing to threaten and stalk her, despite a harassment order being in place. Allen and Ryba began an affair. Later, she was murdered by her jealous ex-partner (Zasada had heard about Ryba's new relationships, but didn't know Allen was a police officer). An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation uncovered that Allen had deleted text's from Ryba after he learned she had died. The investigation found Allen and other officers had failed in the handling of Ryba's domestic abuse allegations (although her eventual murder was not directly impacted by this). Allen also carried out 'unauthorised searches on the police computer', leading to a further investigation.^[63][64]

In January 2016, Katrina O'Hara was stabbed to death at her workplace by her former lover, Stuart Thomas. In December 2015, police had seized her phone, leaving her without this to call for help. The IOPC found three officers had cases to answer for gross misconduct. Allegations of misconduct were proven against three officers, with a final written warning being issued to a Detective Constable and management advice given to a Sergeant for 'not following procedures'. Dorset Police faced recommendations from the IOPC to improve their response to domestic violence and harassment cases.^[65][66]

In August 2016, Sharon Perrett was murdered by her partner Daniel O'Malley-Keyes. The IOPC investigated Dorset Police's contact with Perrett before she died. Perrett had been a domestic abuse victim at the hands of O'Malley-Keyes prior to her murder. As a result of this, Dorset Police had attempted to contact her about a recent incident, attempting to call her for three weeks, but stopped calling because 'her phone was off'. Attending her home was ruled out, as not to alert O'Malley-Keyes of police involvement and put Perrett at risk. The IOPC investigation revealed that whilst police action was 'in line with established practices and procedures', with 'genuine attempts' by phone being made to contact Perrett, 'alternative methods to contact her were ruled out'. Dorset Police changed its policy on contacting domestic violence victims using 'alternative methods of communication'.^[67][68]

In April 2017, police responded to reports of a distressed man running in and out of traffic in Poole. On attending, officers located company director Douglas Oak and suspected that he was suffering from acute behavioural disorder (ABD) (formerly known as 'excited delirium'), as he was sweating, red in the face, very hot to the touch and breathing heavily. An additional six police officers arrived and assisted in restraining him for over an hour, awaiting an ambulance. Whilst waiting, Oak went into cardiac arrest. It was later discovered that specially trained police officers in first aid failed to use a bag valve mask during CPR to provide ventilation. He was taken to hospital and later died. The IOPC investigation found that whilst there was no indication of misconduct or criminal offences in relation to the man's death, there was learning for the Force Command Centre around procedures to do with ABD and the provision of accurate information being given to the ambulance service control room. Dorset Police confirmed that learning would be shared with both the Force Command Centre and the wider force. Whilst the IOPC investgiation found officers at the scene identified the incident should be treated as a medical emergency, an inquest into Oak's death found that Oak being restrained contributed to his death. Dorset Police paid undisclosed damages to Oak's family, whilst denying liability. It was also found that whilst frontline officer were trained in recognising ABD, control room staff in police and ambulance control room weren't trained in recognising the term. This led to a 40-minute response time being allocated to the incident, instead of the emergency eight minute time.^[69][70][71]

In May 2017, 77-year-old John Hill committed suicide using a .22 rifle that Dorset Police's firearms licensing unit had issued a license for, six weeks previously. Hill had previously told his children that 'when the time came he would end his life by shooting himself with a rifle'. No enquiries were made by Dorset Police with Hill's family about the suitability for the firearms license to be granted. Furthermore, a routine check with Hill's doctor by the unit revealed that he was being treated for alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis and whilst he had been advised to abstain from alcohol, was drinking 12 units per week. The IOPC found that the performance of two members of police staff within the unit did not meet expected standards and whilst this was not to be characterised as misconduct, management action needed to be undertaken, due to risks associated with firearms licensing. Dorset Police agreed with the findings and advised management action would be given to the members of staff.^[72][73]

In May 2018, a man was arrested by armed response officers due to being wanted. He was located in a house belonging to someone else. Whilst waiting for a unit to transport the man to custody, the man asked for a cigarette. Whilst looking for tobacco, an officer found a small bag of cannabis, which the man denied was his. The homeowner was called on the phone and also denied it was his. Another officer told the arrested man to 'cough the cannabis', so the homeowner wouldn't get into trouble, to which the man nodded. The officer told him that 'fuck all' would happen if he admitted it. During an interview, he denied the cannabis was his, stating that he was bullied into saying it was his. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charge of possession of cannabis against the man due to lack of evidence. The IOPC found that the two officers who tried to persuade the man to admit the cannabis was his, as well as not challenging each other's actions meant they had acted inappropriately. Both officers were found to have committed misconduct and received written warnings.^[74]

2020's

In February 2022, Sergeant Simon Kempton was given a final written warning after using the Signal messaging app to post details from a non-reportable court hearing of Wayne Couzens to members of the executive group of the Police Federation of England and Wales. A member of the group reported the matter to their force's professional standards department. The IOPC investigated and found that Sergeant Kempton had a case to answer for gross misconduct. He was given a final written warning.^[75]

In October 2023, the IOPC's full report following the disappearance of Gaia Pope-Sutherland made a number of recommendations due to the poor way Dorset Police handled the case.^[76]

In October 2023, it was reported that the family of missing teenager Alex Bendall had complained to the IOPC, after initially complaining to Dorset Police directly about the 'insensitive' police response. Their complaint was in regards to the police investigation and a claim that when the body of Alex was located, an officer described the body as "bones in boots". Bendall had gone missing in February 2023, with their body being located in the River Frome in the area of Lubbecke Way, Dorchester.^[77][78][79]

2000's

In January 2006, a Dorset Police officer's use of CS gas against a Wareham gardener left him with permanent scarring. The gas canister was held inches from the man's face for a prolonged period of time. The man's family alleged that he was prevented from seeking medical care in the immediate aftermath of the incident.^[80] It was later reported that the man pleaded guilty to interfering with the arrest of another individual when he was sprayed with the incapacitant and was sentenced to two weeks in prison. This sentence was served concurrently with a 3-month prison sentence for three assault by beating offences which the man also admitted and was on bail for at the time of the CS incapacitant incident.^[81]

In August 2006, a man who had previously been sprayed with CS gas by Dorset Police was arrested and forcibly stripped searched by Dorset Police officers. The man alleged that after being arrested, he was forcibly strip searched before being released without being interviewed or charged.He had previously made a complaint that an officer who stopped his vehicle in April 2005 was racially abusive and aggressive, including using his CS spray. An IPCC investigation by Kent Police cleared Dorset Police, with the IPCC stating that the driver's account 'was not backed up by independent witnesses'.^[82][83]

On 5 December 2006, a 13-year-old student was struck off his bike in Talbot Avenue by a police car on its way to an emergency. He spent three weeks in a coma and required 24-hour care. Whilst the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) concluded that the driver was not at fault, in 2010, the student was awarded 'substantial damages' by Dorset Police, who settled out of court after a High Court writ was issued in October 2009 that claimed the driver of the vehicle was 'travelling too fast with poor lighting and limited visibility'.^[84]

2010's

In 2010, prior to disciplinary hearings were commenced, two Special Constables resigned over Facebook 'misuse'.^[85]

In September 2010, a Slovakian care worker was unlawfully detained and strip-searched in a Dorset Police station in Bournemouth. In a later settlement, Dorset Police admitted liability, and paid out damages of £4,750. The woman was stopped in a car with a friend in the Springbourne area of Bournemouth. After police asked her for her details, she asked to see their identify cards first, however, the officer's only provided their collar numbers. After being 'unlawfully' detained by officers on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth, the woman was searched at Boscombe Police Station, on suspicion that she may be possessing drugs. Police paperwork alleged the woman had 'glazed' eyes and that the vehicle she was in, an Audi, was a make of vehicle that had been used in recent robberies. Dorset Police firstly denied anything was wrong, however, then offered £3,000 without admitting liability, before she finally received a full apology. The head of the professional standards department expressed his 'sincere regret for the incident'. It was reported that the officers' belief the woman possess drugs 'may not be seen as reasonable'.^[86]

In December 2011, former Sergeant Neil Slater was dismissed after covering up an affair of a colleague who had died in a road traffic collision. In October 2008, Detective Constable Ian Morton was killed after his car crashed into a bungalow on Lymington Road in Dorset. Sergeant Neil Slater investigated Morton's death and when two mobile phones were discovered from the vehicle, Slater discovered that Morton was having an affair with another officer from a different police force, but that Morton's family were unaware of the relationship. He instructed a junior officer to go to where the vehicle had been recovered to and destroy the mobile phone. The officer refused and spoke to senior officers, leading to Slater's arrest. Slater later explained that his intention was to protect Morton's family from 'further distress'. In August 2009, Slater faced a misconduct panel, who concluded that he should be dismissed. However, at a Police Appeals Tribunal in July 2010, it was concluded that Slater should instead keep his job, but be reduced in rank to Constable. However, the Chief Constable applied for, and was successful with a judicial review, with the High Court finding that Slater should be dismissed, quashing the tribunal's decision. Slater was allowed leave to appeal the ruling in the Court of Appeal, however, this was later dismissed.^[87][88][89]

In July 2012, an unnamed police officer was arrested for misconduct in public office, contrary to common law. They were not charged.^[90]

In October 2013, another unnamed police officer was arrested for misconduct in public office, contrary to common law. They were not charged.^[90]

In July 2015, it was reported Dorset Police were to pay compensation of more than £100,000 to two men who were Tasered and pepper-sprayed during a night out in Weymouth in August 2010. This also included payment of legal costs, after an inappropriate use of force. Having been celebrating on a stag do, the men were finding difficulty in getting a taxi home, when one of them asked for help from police. However, when a fracas started between several police officers and other members of the public, both the men were pepper sprayed, with one of them being Tasered. The men sued Dorset Police for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, assault and battery, personal injury, excessive use of force and reputation damage, however, Dorset Police settled out of court, with no admittance of liability. In 2012, the convictions of the two men were quashed.^[91]

In December 2015, PC Neil Bowditch and Sergeant Mark Hughes were found guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed after PC Bowditch 'became involved with a vulnerable woman' that he'd met on duty. Both officers had then tried to cover up the 'inappropriate relationship', with Sergeant Hughes not challenging the inappropriate conduct.^[92]

In 2015/16, a PCSO was dismissed after an allegation they had assaulted their partner.^[93]

In January 2016, PC Nigel Case was dismissed after it was found he had accessed and disclosed confidential information whilst based at Bridport Police Station. Using the Criminal Justice Search (CJS) and Police National Computer (PNC) databases, he searched information on himself and seven other people unrelated to his role as a police officer between 2011 and 2014. He called one of the people he had searched and disclosed police intelligence to them in 2014.^[94]

In November 2016, PC Jamie Wallis was charged with assaulting a man at Bournemouth Police Station in April that year. However, the case was discontinued before trial, with the Crown Prosecution Service stating that 'there was insufficient evidence to have a realistic prospect of conviction'.^[95]

In 2016/17, a Sergeant was issued with a non-molestation order after a domestic incident.^[93]

In 2017, it was reported that an officer used racist language during an arrest and subsequently was 'subject to special requirements'.^[96]

In 2017, an unnamed officer formed a sexual relationship with a woman who he'd met in the course of his duties. During an investigation into a road traffic collision, the officer discovered through initial enquiries that she was a victim of domestic abuse. However, days later, he started messaging her privately before forming a sexual relationship. The officer resigned before the investigation concluded.^[97]

In June 2017, a man was arrested by officers for offences related to s.52 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (causing or inciting someone to become a prostitute for gain). After being released under investigation, the man was subsequently released without charge. He sued Dorst Police for damages relating to false imprisonment and that his rights under Articles 5 and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights had been infringed. Dorset Police admitted the man's arrest was 'procedurally unlawful', stating the arresting officer was not 'properly briefed'. They argued however, that should the correct procedure have been followed, the man would still have been arrested. At court, the man was awarded 'substantial damages'.^[98]

In September 2017, an unnamed officer was dismissed after admitting gross misconduct for beginning a relationship with a victim of sexual assault. After attending the initial incident, he later visited her and formed a sexual relationship.^[99]

In October 2017, an unnamed police officer was arrested for misconduct in public office, contrary to common law. They were not charged.^[90]

In November 2017, PC Kenneth Walmsley was dismissed after being found guilty of gross misconduct after admitting searching for information on police computer systems, as well as using a pool car owned by the police for personal use, which he used a police fuel card to refuel the car with.^[100]

In 2017/18, a PCSO was subject to management action after an allegation against them of domestic abuse.^[93]

In 2017/18, a PCSO was issued with a non-molestation order in relation to a family-related domestic incident.^[93]

In June 2018, Sergeant Stephen Hughes was issued a final written warning having admitted he had made inappropriate comments between April 2014 and January 2016 to two female colleagues whilst based at Dorchester Police Station.^[101]

In August 2018, an armed police officer accidentally shot a driver in the arm whilst trying to stop his car in Bournemouth. After putting his hand on the driver's door, the driver pulled the car away, with the officer accidentally firing their Glock pistol. Whilst no criminal offence or misconduct was found, the officer was advised to complete a refresher course before retiring to frontline duties.^[102]

2020s

In January 2020, a misconduct panel found former PC Hannah White and PC Jamie Woodfine attended an address in Poole to check on the welfare of a woman and had lied about what had happened. In June 2018, the officers responded to a call from a member of the public in relation to a man who may have breached a court order. On attendance, a man who was prevented from contacting the woman was at the address. The court order meant the man was liable to arrest from breaching the order. The officers decided not to arrest the man, finding there was no risk to the woman. However, White updated the log stating the man was not present at the address. White resigned prior to the misconduct hearing, with Woodfine being dismissed without notice.^[103]

In February 2020, DC Nick Gravenor was dismissed after being found guilty of gross misconduct, after sexually assaulting a colleague at her home in 2015. Prior to this, he had touched her inappropriately and made innapropraite comments towards her. The victim decided to report Gravenor when she heard a colleague praising him.^[104]

In June 2020, former Inspector William 'Billy' Bulloch was found guilty of gross misconduct for 'engaging in sexual activity with members of the public while on duty'. Whilst details were never released during the misconduct hearing, Bulloch also 'pursued other individuals for sex while on duty', including having sex with colleagues whilst on duty. He resigned before the hearing.^[105]

In September 2021, former PC Christopher Maidment was found guilty of gross misconduct for sexually harassing female colleagues whilst on duty, between 2019 and 2021. An investigation uncovered that Maidment had made a 'a large number of harassing comments of a sexual nature to female colleagues', both over message and in person. He also 'inappropriately touched' some of his colleagues.^[106]

In October 2021, PC Sean Ford was dismissed after forming an inappropriate relationship with a victim of domestic abuse. In September 2019, PC Sean Ford attended the home address of a domestic abuse victim to take a statement about a recent incident. He was the investigating officer regarding the allegation between the woman and her ex-husband. His initial involvement was to take the statement of her ex-husband, however, he later attended the woman's address to take a further statement from her. The pair became friends on Facebook and exchanged numbers. A few days later, Ford later attended her address where they had sex and he stayed over. Shortly before Christmas 2019, Ford moved into her home. Whilst Ford admitted misconduct, he denied gross misconduct. However, it was concluded that Ford's involvement with the woman, who was vulnerable, was 'a serious conflict of interest which could have affected the administration of justice'. He was found guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed.^[107][108]

In November 2021, former Superintendent Michael Rogers was found guilty of gross misconduct, having claimed thousands of pounds in false expenses. The panel found that between July 2015 and March 2019, Rogers was using police vehicles for work and private trips when he knew he shouldn't be doing. He knowingly 'declared less private mileage than he had travelled and submitted claims for expenses that he had not incurred'. Other claims included expenses of £4,000 for meals. It was concluded that if he hadn't resigned in May 2021, he would have been dismissed. In August 2022, Rogers committed suicide, dying at age 56. He had contacted his GP about his mental health during the investigation in October 2020 and in August 2021, had previously attempted to commit suicide.^[109][110]

In January 2022, a misconduct panel found PC Jonathan Bell had stolen four or five stakes from a Dorset Police shooting range to build garden furniture between July and August 2019. He then lied to his supervisor that he would return them, even though he had built a table from them. He told a sergeant that he had taken the stakes 'to prop up a lean-to'. An inspector, along with a sergeant, visited Bell's address and found a 'big blue chunky table on a deck' as well as informing the professional standards department. Bell resigned from Dorset Police prior to the misconduct hearing.^[111][112]

In April 2022, an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and ITV revealed 30 police officers and staff from Dorset Police were reported for domestic abuse between January 2018 and September 2021. Two officers or staff were subject to disciplinary action, two were either removed or retired/resigned and three received a criminal outcome, all in relation to the allegations against them.^[113]

In May 2022, three off-duty officers were 'asked to reflect on their behaviour', after encroaching on the football pitch at the end of an AFC Bournemouth match at the Vitality Stadium against Nottingham Forest, in which the team were promoted to the Premier League. This is an offence, contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.^[114]

In June 2022, a misconduct panel found that between September 2021 and January 2022, former PC Robert Hopper conducted an inappropriate relationship with a victim of domestic abuse. Hopper had met the victim through the course of his duties and he was the officer in charge of investigating the incident. He used his work email to send 'flirtatious' emails, as well as using WhatsApp to message her and visiting her home 'without any policing purpose', where he had consensual sex with her. Hopper also sent two emails 'containing details of policing matters' to a person outside Dorset Police. The misconduct hearing concluded that he would have been sacked if he hadn't already resigned.^{[115][116][117]}

In January 2023, it was reported that an unnamed Sergeant would have been sacked if he hadn't already resigned after misconduct was proved against him, regarding 'improper relationships' that he'd pursued with student officers who reported directly to him. The panel heard that between April and May 2022, the sergeant made 'sexual phone calls' to one student officer and sent 'flirtatious messages' to another. The sergeant had been warned in June 2021 about the same behaviour, but continued his inappropriate conduct, including engaging in a 'consensual sex act' with a vulnerable student officer, who had reported being a victim of domestic abuse, as well as kissing another in his garage.^[118]

In March 2023, a Freedom of Information Act request discovered that between January 2018 and December 2022, 32 warranted officers (police constables and special constables) had a misconduct or complaint case recorded against them of an allegation of sexual misconduct. 10 of those cases were related to accusations of child sexual offences. The same Freedom of Information Act request found that 16 officer were found to have a case to answer for inappropriate behaviour or sexual misconduct, with 8 officers being dismissed or that they would have been dismissed (if they hadn't left prior to the decision).^[119]

In June 2023, PC Mark Jordan-Gill and former PC Paul Perdrisat were found guilty of gross misconduct, having shared inappropriate messages in a 'toxic' WhatsApp group for the Force Support Group. Posts that were shared were 'sexual, pornographic, misogynistic, homophobic, racist and bulling'. This left one member feeling suicidal. Two other members of the group, PC Michael Lowther and PC Matthew Young were found guilty of misconduct, with PC Lowther being given a written warning and PC Young being given a final written warning.^[120] In August 2023, Inspector Nicholas Mantle was found guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed for also posting innapropriate images.^[121]

In July 2023, it was reported that according to a Freedom of Information Act request, between May 2022 and May 2023, there were 14 misconduct cases against officers and staff which had a factor of 'violence against women and girls' (VAWG). This led to nine officers and staff being suspended following the outcome of the cases. Others faced a written warning, reduction in rank, reflective practice or no further action.^[122]

2000's

In February 2003, former PC Steven Rigler was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and imprisoned for 18 months. During a night In January 2001, Rigler was on patrol in Christchurch when he saw a 17-year-old girl sat in the street with a friend, having been on a night out. He offered to take them home, but stated he first had to go to an emergency. Instead, he returned to the police station, collected a condom from his locker and returned to collect the girls. After dropping the first girl home, Rigler allegedly forced the girl to give him oral sex in a lay-by (Rigler admitted that she had performed a consensual sex act on him whilst driving the car in return for a lift home). The girl later complained and Rigler attempted to cover-up what had happened by damaging his car and forging a blackmail letter, lying that it was the girl. On the bonnet of his car, Rigler scratched a crucifix, placing a sign from an undertakers on the roof. He forged the letter by cutting words from magazines, adding a phone number on it, which Rigler stated he rang and was told for £1,000 the case would be dropped. However, saliva on the letter's gummed strip was DNA tested and proved it belonged to Rigler. Rigler was cleared of indecent assault but found guilty of perverting the course of justice.^[123][124]

2010's

In September 2012, former PC Matthew Cherry was jailed for 10 years for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, after attacking his pregnant ex-girlfriend, attempting to cause her to miscarry their child. Cherry resigned from Dorset Police before he was charged. Cherry wore a balaclava and put on a fake accent, carrying out a 'savage attack' on his ex-partner by punching her in the stomach and back. He was reportedly angry that his ex-partner wouldn't have an abortion. His ex-partner later gave birth to a healthy baby. In March 2013, Cherry was further convicted on two counts of obtaining services by deception, relating to lying about his earnings to obtain a mortgage in 2003 and 2004, when he was a serving police officer.^[125][126]

In April 2014, PC Adam McLean was sentenced to community service after being convicted of five counts of fraud by false representation. McLean met a member of the public in the course of his duties, later becoming friends. However, McLean later abused his position when using his bank account to pay off debts. He took £970 from the victims account in a number of transactions. McLean was dismissed after his conviction.^[127][128]

In July 2015, former PC Allan Smith was jailed for nine months for harassment with fear of violence, three months for obtaining or disclosing police information and two months for another data protection offence (the sentences ran concurrently). He was also issued with a restraining order, indefinitely preventing him from contacting the victim. Following his guilty plea, Smith was dismissed from Dorset Police. Smith sent 42,000 text messages and voicemails over a few years to a former lover, putting her in fear of violence. He also accessed the Police National Computer (PNC) for reasons unrelated to his work.^{[129][130][131]}

In February 2016, former PC Stephen Shires was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and required to complete unpaid work, after admitting 11 counts of fraud by false representation. He was dismissed from Dorset Police in December 2015. An investigation found that Shires had used three fuel cards on 59 occasions to fuel his personal vehicle with more than £3,000-worth of fuel.^[132]

In March 2018, PC Matthew Loveless was sentenced to five months in prison and issued a five-year restraining order after pleading guilty to harassment without fear of violence to his ex-wife. Loveless caused her distress after sending messages about her to her father, friends and family after their marriage broke down, including sharing malicious information.^[133][134]

2020's

In March 2021, PC Timothy Brehmer, was convicted of manslaughter for the death of his mistress and colleague's wife. Having had a 10-year affair, the altercation in which he is said to have strangled the victim to death took place in a local car park, following her decision to call things off.^[135]

In November 2021, former PC Matthew Littlefair was jailed for two years and three months after being convicted of fraud by false representation. Littlefair claimed his salary and other money to the total of £149,764.20 from Dorset Police after reporting that after a minor road traffic collision, he couldn't work, stating that he was injured so badly that he 'couldn't even lift a kettle'. However, covert surveillance revealed he was playing football with his children, walking his dog and exercising, with his phone revealing he'd completed 8,503 steps in one day. He resigned from Dorset Police after being convicted.^[136][137]

In January 2023, evidential property researcher Lisa Arnold was jailed for two years having pleaded guilty to stealing £14,494.20 from cash seized from investigations. Arnold took money by slitting the bottom of evidence bags, then resealing them. An investigation revealed Arnold had stored the cash in her wardrobe before depositing large amounts of money into her bank account that exceeded her monthly salary. Arnold stated that after becoming depressed during the COVID-19 lockdown and a marriage crisis, she used online shopping as a 'form of escapism'. At a hearing in November 2023, it was revealed that Arnold had benefited from £55,000 from stealing the money and under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, £32,829.84 could be seized back from her.^[138][139]

In August 2023, PC Harry Chaplin was convicted of careless driving after crashing into a family's car en route to a road traffic collision. Dashcam showed the police car knocking the family's car onto its side, knocking one occupant unconscious and suffering a bleed on the brain. PC Chaplin drove between 73 mph and 81 mph on a road with a 30 mph limit. Whilst he was responding to an emergency with blue lights and sirens, the speed was described as 'excessive'. PC Chaplin was fined £307, and was required to pay a £123 surcharge and £500 compensation to the family. He received eight penalty points on his license. He was not disqualified as the judge remarked that he was 'not simply exceeding the speed limit' but driving to a serious road traffic collision.^[140][141]

In October 2023, PC Ravi Canhye was jailed for 16+1⁄2 years after being convicted of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of assault by penetration, and sexual assault. Over a weekend in April 2022, Canhye attacked two woman. He resigned from Dorset Police on the day he was convicted.^[142][143]

2010's

In December 2014, Dorset Police was criticised during a review by His 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.^[144]

2020's

In August 2021, it was reported that Dorset Police had received formal complaints regarding videos of an arrest that had been shared on social media. Dorset Police stated that the man, who was busking, refused to move on as required by by-laws banning busking in that area and became aggressive. During the arrest, the man was injured and taken to hospital. He was arrested on suspicion of 'assault, possession of a Class B drug and resisting arrest'. He was later released under investigation.^[145][146]

In January 2022, a white-tailed sea eagle was discovered dead on a shooting estate in North Dorset. An investigation was launched, however, Dorset Police stated they 'could not confirm if any criminal offence had been committed' and discontinued the investigation. This was despite the bird having 'seven times' the amount of rodenticide broadifacoum needed to kill it in its body. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) were 'baffled' by this. On the other hand, in relation to the incident, the MP for West Dorset, Chris Loder, controversially wrote on Twitter that he wanted Dorset Police to 'focus on county lines rather than spend time and resources on this'.^[147]

In June 2022, a Freedom of Information Act request discovered that between 1 May 2019 and 30 April 2022, Dorset Police had received 22 reports of alleged offences committed by serving Police Constables from the force. Thirteen officers continued to serve, whilst eleven didn't. All allegations were investigated, however, not all resulted in criminal or misconduct proceedings. Three allegations were discontinued or not proceeded with at court, with three allegations being found guilty and two allegations being found not guilty. Six officers were dismissed without notice and one was issued with a written warning.^[148]

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'.^[149]

In February 2023, Dorset Police said that the 'vast majority of its staff were professional', after recent misconduct by officers and staff.^[150]

In August 2023, it was reported that since July 2021, Dorset Police had spent more than £12,300 on flights across the country for staff and officers for 'supporting ongoing investigations, attending conferences and other national meetings and events and training'.^[151]

In August 2023, it was reported that there had been 24 incidents since 2017 whereby the wrong type of fuel was put in police vehicles by Dorset Police. This cost the taxpayer £2,751 in repairs.^[152]