DORSET Police has been graded as a ‘good’ force following an annual review by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).

Reports published today have been welcomed by the force and the Acting Police and Crime Commissioner.

HMIC inspections into Dorset Police’s legitimacy and leadership, which took place between March and June 2016, have not identified any causes of concern and no specific recommendations have been made.

HMIC considers a police force to be legitimate if it has the consent of the public, and if those working in the force consistently behave in a way that is fair, ethical, and within the law.

These reports follow on from HMIC’s report on efficiency, published in November 2016, where Dorset Police was also given an overall grading as ‘good’. Findings will make up the HMIC annual assessment of police forces in England and Wales.

Deputy Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I am pleased that HMIC has assessed Dorset Police’s legitimacy as ‘good’. Policing by consent is vital to ensure that we continue to be effective and efficient in keeping all of our local communities safe.”