TWO student Dorset Police officers have been fined after “falling short of expectation” in an “extremely disappointing” breach Covid-19 rules.

The force confirmed it is investigating an alleged lockdown gathering of student officers at Ferndown Forest Golf Club on March 9.

And Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope has questioned whether the breach shows a problem in the recruitment process.

Dorset Police said a group of student officers allegedly met at the golf club and were advised at the time of the current restrictions and were told to leave, which they did.

Following an investigation, evidence was found to indicate that two off-duty student officers had repeatedly breached the rules throughout the day and they have both been issued with £200 fixed penalty notices.

It is also alleged that a Ferndown business was involved in the sale of alcohol, in breach of Covid-19 legislation. An independent review of this matter has been carried out by the force’s licensing team who have visited the premises and are working with the management.

Assistant chief constable Sam de Reya said: “Police officers have been tasked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with enforcing the legislation to stop the spread of the virus and keep people safe.

“The force and the public rightly expect the highest standards of professional behaviour from officers and staff, including the strict adherence to the regulations. It is extremely disappointing that on this occasion these two officers have fallen short of that expectation.

"We require officers and staff to uphold the law and operate with integrity at all times and it is right that they will have to pay a financial penalty like any other member of the public.”

An internal investigation is underway to consider any appropriate misconduct proceedings.

Sir Chope described the news as “disappointing” and called for transparency on how the officers will be dealt with.

He told the Daily Echo: “It is very disappointing news, what else can I say?

“I think we are trying to recruit people to the police service because of their integrity and good judgement, so it is rather disappointing, maybe there is a problem with the recruitment process.

“It seems to often be police officers that don’t live up to the standard that we expect of them, there has been examples locally and nationally, the police service needs to sort itself out in that respect.

“[The student officers] will be expected to explain themselves. I think there should be, and I hope there will be, transparency with all of this.”