Statement from the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

I know that the people of Dorset want to see robust and effective policing, especially when it comes to dealing with violent crime and knife crime. And I completely agree and will hold Dorset Police to account to deliver that. The dismissal of a Dorset Police officer following a gross misconduct hearing has rightly prompted strong feelings, and I want to speak directly to those who have followed this case with concern, and to everyone who relies on our police service to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and care.

At the heart of this matter is a simple but profound principle of policing by consent. This means that the police derive their authority and legitimacy from your approval and support, and that police officers must always act in a way that upholds that public trust. Their role and powers are unique, and officers must use them responsibly, and with respect for the law and for the dignity of all people. Effective policing, therefore, is built on public trust and confidence. Gaining and keeping that trust and confidence depends entirely on having a policing service that is ethical and professional in the way that it is effective and respects, listens, responds and serves the public.

Public trust and confidence in policing are not given – they are things that must be continually earnt.

This is why when a police misconduct hearing takes place it is officiated by a panel entirely independent of the police force involved. The panels are heard in public, and are made up of a senior police officer, an independent member of the public, and a legally qualified adviser. Panel members are trained and experienced in their role, and it is important in my view to make that clear; these are not kangaroo courts, no one single person decides on the career of a serving police officer, and the burden of proof is appropriately high. This process is designed to be fair, rigorous, and impartial. It ensures that police conduct is judged not by loyalty or sentiment, but by the standards the public rightly expect and that are set out in regulations and law.

Much of the reaction we’ve seen from the public over recent days – both online and elsewhere – reflects the complexity of this moment. Some have voiced frustration, others concern, and I would like to take a moment to clarify some of the undisputed facts.

In this case, fellow officers reported the officer’s behaviour. This is a significant point because police officers are highly trained and how they conduct themselves, especially when exercising their powers, is crucial. When an officer is considered by his or her colleagues to have fallen short of the high standards expected, it is vital those concerns are expressed and are considered seriously. When force is used it should be reasonable, proportionate, lawful, and necessary – in other words the degree of force used must be the minimum required in the circumstances to achieve the lawful objective being sought. Otherwise, it is likely that the use of force will be found to be excessive, as was the case here as this officer’s actions that day were found to fail those standards.

We are fortunate that the vast majority of officers serve with professionalism and compassion, often in the most difficult of circumstances. But maintaining public trust and confidence means being clear: when standards are not met, and when behaviour falls far short of what is expected – even by previously decorated officers – there must be consequences.

But let me be absolutely clear – upholding high standards is not in conflict with catching criminals. In fact, they go hand in hand. The people of Dorset rightly expect their police to be robust, to pursue offenders relentlessly, and to protect the vulnerable. That’s exactly what I expect too.

Professionalism and effectiveness are not opposites, they are the collective bedrock of policing. A Force can be effective and act with fairness and legitimacy to earn the public’s backing. And that public support is what gives officers the confidence and consent to be bold, decisive, and effective in fighting crime.

We want a modern, robust, effective police force that acts legitimately which the public are proud to support – and that criminals rightly fear. 

That is the future that we continue to work towards, and that is what Dorset deserves.