THREE allegations of sexual assault were made against serving police officers in Dorset over five years, figures reveal.

Figures obtained by RADAR under the Freedom of Information Act show three sexual assault complaints were made against Dorset Police officers between 2016 and 2020.

Two were against male officers, while in one the sex was recorded as unknown.

The three complaints all came from members of the public.

In one instance the complaint was withdrawn and in another the matter was investigated but following attempts to engage with the victim, the case was fully reviewed and no further action was taken.

The third case is still the subject of an investigation and police say they are unable to comment any further on it at this time.

The data does not specify if the officers were on or off duty at the time the alleged incidents occurred.

The sex of the person making the accusation was also unknown in each case.

The data from Dorset Police was in response to a request for the number of complaints of sexual assaults against serving police officers, these complaints could relate to historic allegations.

Responses from 33 police forces across Great Britain revealed that most claims over five years related to male officers, where their sex was recorded.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “Abuse of position for a sexual purpose by officers or staff is a strategic priority for the force.

“The Force simply does not tolerate any sexualised behaviour by its officers or staff toward those who they come into contact with whilst serving the public.

“Any member of staff or officer suspected of committing a sexual offence in any circumstances will be subject of both rigorous criminal investigation, and misconduct investigation.

“We would encourage members of the public to report any concerns relating the conduct of our officers.

“Anyone can report any concerns to Dorset Police by calling 101 or emailing complaints-misconduct@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

“Alternatively members of the public can contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – details of which can be found via their website www.policeconduct.gov.uk or anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or freephone 0800 555 111.”

This comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for a change in the culture of policing following the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by serving police officer Wayne Couzens.

It emerged that Couzens had been accused of indecent exposure in 2015 – but was still able to transfer from Kent Police to the Metropolitan force.

The End Violence Against Women Coalition, which includes groups like Rape Crisis, Refuge and Women's Aid, said few officers face "any meaningful consequences" for violence against women and girls nationally.

The organisation said the murder of Ms Everard took place within a broader context of violence perpetrated by the police, adding that trust in forces from women and girls was now at an all-time low.

Deputy director Denzi Uğur said: "We need to see a radical overhaul of how the police respond to violence against women – especially within their own ranks.

"This means greater accountability and urgent, coordinated and strategic action to address violence against women.

"Ultimately, we need to address these widespread institutional failings before we can even begin to address women’s confidence in the police."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating both forces for their handling of Couzens.

Home Secretary Priti Patel also launched an independent inquiry into the police force’s "systematic failures" this week.

The inquiry will look into wider issues across policing – including vetting practices, professional standards and discipline, and workplace behaviour.

The inquiry has been welcomed by the National Police Chief's Council chairman, Martin Hewitt, who said vetting and professional standards procedures needed to be scrutinised to restore public confidence.