More about this area

Dorset is a largely rural county of 1,024 square miles, which includes 90 miles of coastline, two major seaports and an international airport.

The county has large urban areas in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth, a university, and a world heritage site – the Jurassic Coast.

Statistics from the Office of National Statistics show that Dorset remains within the top 10 safest areas in the country.

People are attracted to Dorset to live, learn, work and retire. Of the estimated 779,770 population, 46% live in rural areas.

The county welcomes over 25 million day-visitors annually, increasing demand on policing by 42% during the summer months.

The Force continues to address significant financial challenges stemming from the national funding formula. There was a reduction of police staff in 2024/25 via a voluntary resignation scheme and a programme of transformation is being delivered. Other recent challenges have included the policing response to the Bibby Stockholm barge housing asylum seekers, off Portland, and an increase in the frequency and scale of protest activity.

Overall crime in Dorset has reduced, however demand continues to grow in complexity. The Force continues to combat complex threats from cyber-crime, fraud, child sexual abuse, exploitation and county lines. Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls remains a priority as well as working with partners to protect vulnerable young people and adults.

As of October 2024, the Force had 1,446 police officers and 1,379 staff, 54 Police Community Support Officers, 91 Special Constables and 140 volunteers. The Force works in a strategic alliance with Devon & Cornwall Police, sharing functions where it is in the best interests of local people, in addition to collaborating with other agencies and forces.

In 2023/2024, the Force received 143,317 emergency 999 calls, recorded 174,509 incidents and 51,252 crimes.

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.