FOUR student Dorset Police officers were subject to a misconduct meeting after breaching Covid rules by meeting at a golf club in March this year.

As reported, a number of student officers met at Ferndown Forest Golf Club on Tuesday, March 9, breaching the Covid-19 legislation that was in place at the time.

The force said the group were advised at the time about the current restrictions and were asked to leave immediately, which they did.

Following an investigation evidence was found to indicate that two of the student officers had further breached the rules later that day and they were both issued with £200 fixed penalty notices.

In May this year, an investigation was still ongoing to consider any misconduct hearings.

Providing an update, a Dorset Police spokesperson said: “An internal investigation was carried out and in total four officers were the subject of a misconduct meeting.

“Three received management action, which aims to identify any underlying causes or welfare considerations and prevent a similar situation arising in the future, and one received a written warning. “

Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “Police officers were 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 officers fell 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 the two officers who breached the rules had to pay a financial penalty like any other member of the public and all four were subject of misconduct matters.

“I believe the officers were extremely remorseful and regretted their actions, and I do hope that they have learnt from this incident and will go on to be excellent police officers.”

Between March 27, 2020, and May 16 this year, Dorset Police handed out 1,636 fixed penalty notices for Covid breaches.

Offences committed in the county include breaching international travel rules, failing to wear face coverings and holding large gatherings when not permitted to do so.