Dorset Police covers approximately 1,024 square miles of land and a similar body of water off the coastline.
Despite being classed as 93.7 per cent rural, the county includes an airport as well as seaports that serve internal and international freight and passenger travel.
Annually we provide a policing coverage for around 800,000 residents, which increases during term time with students from the universities and colleges. A further 11 million people visit Dorset each year for short breaks or holidays.
We are one of the highest performing police services in the United Kingdom, and as a member of Dorset Police you will feel a strong sense of pride in working to protect the communities we serve to help achieve our vision of being a safe county for everyone.
The County despite being classed as 93.7% rural includes an airport, and sea ports, serving internal, and international freight and passenger travel.
Police Officers
Staff & Volunteers
Population
Total Force Area
(Square Miles)
There's a lot of history to Dorset, and we are no different.
We were formed in 1855 and on 1st October 1967 merged with Bournemouth Police to form Dorset and Bournemouth Constabulary.
On 1st April 1974 we took over some areas, (mainly Christchurch and its surrounding areas) from Hampshire Constabulary and acquired its present name.
Our staff are our most valuable asset.
We currently employ over 2,600 people
- 1216 Police Constable
- 121 Police Community Support Officers
- 129 Special Constables
- 1253 Police Staff
- 141 Volunteers
- 600 Speed Watch Volunteers