DORSET Police faced over 1200 misconduct allegations against its officers last year, an increase of 200 since 2022.

Figures from the Home Office highlight complaints made against police officers, including special constables, as well as police staff.

In the data released last month, Dorset Police handled 1,242 allegations against officers in the year ending March 31, 2023.

Out of the allegations, 834 cases were investigated involving 372 individuals.

However, in the same period the year before there were 965 allegations and 675 cases against police officers, an increase of over 200 reports.

Detective superintendent Ricky Dhanda, head of professional standards, said: “The public should quite rightly have confidence that police officers and staff strive to attain the highest standards of professional behaviour, and that when these standards fall below expectations, swift and robust action is taken.

“We have a dedicated team of officers and staff within our professional standards department and counter corruption unit who are committed to investigating complaints from members of the public, alongside reports from our own officers and staff.

“We know the vast majority of employees within the organisation are professional and do not demonstrate unethical behaviour.

“There is a minority who do, and we do not want them in our organisation.”

DS Dhanda added that Dorset Police have launched an internal behaviours campaign to emphasise that unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour among officers, staff or volunteers will not be tolerated.

Colleagues are also regularly reminded of the various ways they can report matters.

Members of the public can report any concerns to Dorset Police by calling 101 or reporting online via its website.

READ MORE: Dorset Police officer jailed for raping woman in Poole

Ravi Canhye, a Dorset police officer, was jailed in October 2023 after being found guilty by jury of raping a woman.

Bournemouth Echo: Pc Ravi Canhye (Ben Birchall/PA)

He was jailed for 16 and a half years on two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of assault by penetration and one sexual assault.

Canhye, of Poole, was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a second victim.

Following his conviction, Dorset Police said as soon as reports were received Canhye was suspended from duty and was officially barred from the force after his sentencing.