POLICING in Dorset has seen the ‘biggest recruitment drive’ in its history with a diverse range of new officers joining the force.

Dorset Police has recruited 174 new police officers in the three years up until March 31 this year.

This was eight officers above the target set by government as part of the national Uplift programme.

This has been the biggest recruitment drive in the force’s history.

There are now 1,441 officers in Dorset Police, with a total of 552 officers recruited between 2019 and 2023 – including those from the Uplift allocation.

Bournemouth Echo:

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “These new recruits will mean there are more officers serving the people and communities of Dorset and adding extra strength and depth to the service. I would like to wish each new recruit well in their chosen career as they go out in our communities to fight crime, put victims first and keep people safe.”

During the recruitment drive, the force has also welcomed recruits from diverse backgrounds.

Since 2019 there has been an increase in officers identifying as white non-British from 16 to 27. There has also been an increase in officers identifying as Black, Asian, or ethnically diverse from 20 to 39, and an increase in female officers from 382 to 472.

Dorset Police says plans are already in place to recruit a further 155 officers by the end of March next year.

Police Constable Jody Durkin-Jones joined Dorset Police in August 2021.

Bournemouth Echo: Police Constable Jody Durkin-Jones.Police Constable Jody Durkin-Jones. (Image: Dorset Police)

“Prior to joining the force, I was a primary school teacher and before that I worked for the fire and rescue service as a retained firefighter,” she said.

“I would describe the training process as challenging but very rewarding and I would tell anyone thinking of joining to prepare for a role that promises to be different every day, but isn’t the normal nine to five.”

Thanks to detective entry routes, the force has also been able to grow its detective capability by 55 to April 2023, and plans to grow to 73 by April 2024 and to 79 by April 2025.

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson added: “Whilst we have increased the diversity of our workforce over recent years, we know that there is still a way to go, and we are committed to further encouraging people from underrepresented groups to join our policing family so we can better reflect the communities we serve.”