MORE than 150 police staff in Dorset were subject to allegations of assault in the past year.

In response to a Freedom of Information request from a resident, Dorset Police confirmed 71 complaints were made involving 152 staff members during the 12-month period from April 2017.

Almost a quarter of these allegations, 41, had not been finalised when the force released the statistics on May 15.

In 54 cases local resolutions were sought by either the force, a division or the professional standards department.

While local resolutions do not result in disciplinary proceedings, the manager of the person complained about may take management or formal action.

During the same time period, there were also 44 allegations of harassment involving 65 officers.

Cases against three police constables were upheld by the professional standards department and a further 24 were dealt with through a local resolution.

Outcomes of the latter could include an apology being given on behalf of the force, an explanation of the circumstances and any action taken, and the force policy or procedures could be changed.