DOZENS of employees are still working at Dorset Police despite being accused of domestic abuse, figures reveal.

The statistics, obtained in an investigation by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and ITV, reveal more than 1,300 police officers and staff across the UK were reported for domestic abuse between January 2018 and September last year.

This included 30 police officers or staff members from Dorset Police.

Two officers or staff members received some form of disciplinary action as a result of the allegations against them.

Three officers or staff members received some form of criminal outcome as a result of the allegations against them.

Two officers or staff members were either removed or retired/resigned from their jobs in relation to the allegations against them.

Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, of Dorset Police, said: “All reports of domestic abuse, including those involving police officers or staff, are prioritised and investigated fully by Dorset Police.

“In recent years officers and staff have undertaken considerable bespoke domestic abuse training, shaped by local and national best practice.

“This is aimed at improving individual skills to enhance our response, victim care and investigation standards to protect and support our most vulnerable victims.

“Dorset Police officers and staff are expected to abide by highest level of professional standards whilst on duty and in their private lives.

“Stringent force vetting procedures ensure people are thoroughly assessed when they initially join the Force and then at regular intervals during their career.

“Cases where a domestic abuse allegation involves a serving officer or member of staff receive a heightened level of oversight and scrutiny.

“We have a dedicated Professional Standards Department that will assess any domestic related incidents involving officers or staff as a priority and consider carefully whether they meet the threshold for both misconduct proceedings and criminal prosecution. The consideration for criminal proceedings is done in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The force Counter Corruption Unit also proactively monitors officer and staff behaviour across the force and where criminal offences are not proven will still include a thorough risk assessment and suitability of the policing roles they undertake.

“In six cases during the relevant period, individuals employed by Dorset Police were the subject of criminal or disciplinary proceedings. Two of these resulted in criminal outcomes and in the other four cases the allegations were not upheld.

“With the remaining 24 cases these matters would have been the subject of the same careful consideration and assessment as all other criminal cases brought to us and no criminal offences or misconduct matters were made out.”

TBIJ's data only records accusations of domestic abuse reported to the police.

DCC de Reya added: “Dorset Police takes all allegations of domestic abuse and domestic related incidents extremely seriously, particularly where they involve our own staff, and we are committed to doing all we can to identify any offences committed and take action against those responsible, as well as supporting victims.

“Most recently we have introduced an internal group to support victims of gender-based violence within our own teams to encourage them to come forward to report offences and to provide support. We are committed to reducing domestic violence in our communities, supporting victims and dealing robustly with offenders.”

Local support services include:

BCHA Domestic Abuse Referrals & Support Line: 01202 710 777

Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS Dorset): Telephone Support Line 01202 308855, online live chat also available through www.starsdorset.org