Dorset Police investigations 'require improvement'

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said the report was "fair and constructive"

Dorset Police needs to get better at investigating crime, responding to the public and treating people fairly, a report has found.

A government inspectorate rated the force as "requiring improvement" in three out of nine graded areas and "adequate" in four.

It said the number of crimes solved following investigations was "low" and officers were not meeting response time targets for calls and incidents.

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said the report was "fair and constructive", adding: "Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country."

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carried out the PEEL inspection - which stands for police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy - from 2023 to 2025.

It acknowledged the force's efforts to address racial disparity in police stop-and-searches but said it remained an "area for improvement".

The inspection also found emergency calls were not being answered quickly enough and responses to incidents were missing target times.

The report recognised "sustained improvements" in some areas

It found victims were not always adequately supported, while just 9.3% of victim-based crimes were recorded as "offences brought to justice".

Dorset Police said areas of good work highlighted included its Safeguarding Hubs to keep vulnerable people safe, its tackling of anti-social behaviour, management of more frequent crime types and strategic and financial planning.

It said the report also recognised "sustained improvements" in call handling, response times, investigations and in addressing "disproportionality in the use of police powers".

Ms Pearson said: "This report is a fair and constructive assessment of the effective and impactful improvements the force continues to make.

"We have invested in reducing call times, strengthening investigations and making sure our service works for everyone in Dorset.

"I am pleased the report identifies those priorities and the work we are doing whilst also pointing out where we can improve."