DORSET Police ‘requires improvement’ in how it investigates crime, but is ‘good’ in supporting and protecting its workforce, the police inspectorate has said.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the force’s performance in some areas had fallen in its recent PEEL report.

The inspectorate said the way Dorset Police investigated crime ‘requires improvement’, as well as how it deals with the public.

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Of eight areas Dorset Police was graded in, the inspectorate found it was ‘good’ in just two, preventing crime and anti-social behaviour as well as at building, supporting and protecting its workforce.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “I am pleased with some aspects of the performance of Dorset Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime, but there are areas where it needs to improve.

“Despite the oversight of senior leaders, and welcome initiatives to protect the most vulnerable, the force needs to better meet the needs of victims when responding to and investigating crimes.

“There is a better understanding of the reasons for disparities when searching people and using force, but there needs to be a continued focus on this area.

“The force has improved its efforts on managing offenders and suspects. I am also pleased with the force’s efforts to improve its capacity and capability to investigate online sexual offending, but reassurance is needed that sufficient long-term provision is in place so that investigations are timely, and children remain safe.”

Dorset Police said it recognised the need to strengthen in areas prior to the report and since the start of 2021 saw the introduction and development of two local policing area commands and investment in county lines teams, neighbourhood enforcement teams and a dedicated missing person team.

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Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “I am pleased that the inspectors have acknowledged the work we have delivered in relation to preventing and proactively tackling crime and ASB, as well as our efforts to work alongside partner agencies to challenge the issues that matter the most to our communities.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton

“The inspection took place at one of the most difficult times in Dorset Police’s history, not only for our organisation but also our communities.

“This included the tricky period through the Covid-19 pandemic, a period of peak demand and unprecedented visitor numbers as the lockdown lifted, an increase in public demonstrations and mutual aid support for national events including G7 and COP 26.

“It is reassuring that the suggested areas of improvement were already part of an ongoing programme of work to improve the service we provide to our communities.

“We are also making significant investment in our public contact systems, with a commitment to reduce call times and respond to incidents quicker. This will also mean we can easily identify vulnerable repeat callers and provide the right training to ensure staff give appropriate advice on the preservation of evidence and crime prevention.”