Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

09/06/2026

Think drug driving only applies to illegal substances? Think again.

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can seriously affect your reaction times, concentration and judgement.

Always check the label before driving — if it says “Do not drive or operate machinery”, take it seriously. These medications can cause fatigue which increases the risk of causing a road traffic collision.

Drug driving can lead to:
🚫 A driving ban
💷 A criminal record and fine
📉 Increased insurance costs
💼 Loss of employment - especially if you drive for work

07/06/2026

As we celebrate Volunteers Week, it is important to mark the contribution made by volunteers in policing as well as at all of the OPCC commissioned services. This includes the team at Restorative Justice Dorset, where many of the victim-focused services are delivered by volunteers who co-facilitate mediation for anti-social behaviour cases, face to face Restorative Justice conferences, and restorative awareness courses for offences such as assaults on emergency workers, and retail crime.

The current 10 volunteers bring a wide range of their own skills and experiences such as students, working, and retired people. They have been fully trained to do the roles and there are ongoing development opportunities, with a minimum requirement to offer eight hours a month.

Restorative Justice offers victims an opportunity to be heard, to ask questions of the offender, and to have their say in the resolution of the harm caused; it is not an alternative to the offender’s sentencing.

Find out more about volunteering

Becoming a volunteer You will receive full training and, once you have experience in this area of Restorative Justice, you will be invited to attend a further two-day training course, where the outcome will be that you become a Volunteer Restorative Justice Practitioner. You will then be able to wor...

07/06/2026

🚫 Don't let your garden waste end up in the wrong place.

Grass cuttings, hedge trimmings and garden debris may seem harmless, but when dumped in the countryside they can:
❌ Damage habitats
❌ Block access routes
❌ Spread invasive plants and disease
❌ Cost landowners and taxpayers money

If you're using a contractor for garden clearance, always check they're registered to carry waste legally.

A few simple checks can help prevent fly-tipping and protect Dorset's rural communities.

05/06/2026

I am pleased to see Dorset Police carrying out this proactive operation in Sandbanks. I have previously received concerns from residents about anti-social and dangerous driving in the area, and this operation demonstrates that both the Force and I are listening to those concerns and taking action.

This operation sends a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

04/06/2026

As Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset and a board member of the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN), I am proud to support efforts which shine a spotlight on the challenges facing our rural communities and the actions needed to address them.

One issue that continues to blight our countryside is fly-tipping. What some may dismiss as discarded rubbish is, in reality, a serious crime that damages our environment, harms wildlife, places financial burdens on landowners and farmers, and undermines confidence in rural policing and public services.

Tackling Fly-Tipping: Protecting Our Countryside and Rural Communities

03/06/2026

Cannabis, co***ne and other illegal drugs are against the law. If you choose to take them and then get behind the wheel, you're breaking the law twice.

Illegal drugs can stay in your body far longer than the effects last. You can still test positive long after the "high" has worn off, with some substances remaining detectable for days or even weeks.

Drug driving puts lives at risk and carries serious consequences:
🚫 A driving ban
🚫 A criminal record
🚫 Significant fines
🚫 Increased insurance costs
🚫 Loss of employment if driving is part of your job

If you drive for work, a drug driving conviction could cost you far more than your licence – it could cost you your career.

Don't take illegal drugs. Don't drive after taking them. Protect yourself, your livelihood and everyone else on the road.

01/06/2026

Want to go behind the scenes at Bournemouth Crown Court Open Day?

Spaces can now be booked for three of the most popular activities:

⚖️ Mock Trials – Experience the justice system like never before by being immersed in a scripted mock trial with real judges in a real courtroom.

👨‍⚖️ Mock Sentencing - Be immersed in a mock sentencing with real magistrates in a real courtroom.

🔒 Cell Tours – Take a rare look inside the custody cells and learn what happens behind the scenes when defendants attend court.

Places are limited and expected to fill quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.

A limited number of additional spaces will also be available on the day and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
📅 Saturday 6th June
📍 Bournemouth Crown Court

To reserve your place, visit: https://bit.ly/CrownCourtOpenDayBooking

We look forward to welcoming you for a fascinating day exploring the criminal justice system.

HMCTS

01/06/2026

Volunteers’ Week is an important opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible people who give their time and skills towards supporting policing and community safety across Dorset.

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping to keep our communities safe and connected. From our dedicated Special Constables who volunteer alongside police officers on the frontline, to Town Pastors providing reassurance and support during the night-time economy, each and every volunteer connected with the Force and my Office makes a meaningful difference.

I would also like to mention all those who volunteer with our commissioned services including Restorative Justice and Victim Support among many other crucial organisations; your work demonstrates the very best of public service and community spirit.

My sincere thanks go to all our volunteers for the outstanding contribution they make to policing and to keeping the people of Dorset safe every single day.

VOLUNTEERS WEEK 2026 | Today marks the start of the national week of celebration for our volunteers, who sacrifice hours each year to help keep Dorset a safe county for everyone.

This national week of recognition runs from Monday 1 June and Sunday 7 June 2026, and we will be joining thousands of charities and voluntary organisations to recognise the contribution volunteers make in every corner of the community.

Here in Dorset, the Force’s volunteers, including the Special Constabulary, have committed over 23,300 hours in the last year – the equivalent of over 5,000 shifts a year to keep the communities of Dorset safe.

The Force currently has 56 special constables – volunteer police officers who have the same power and training as a regular paid police officer, working in highly visible and frontline roles.

Alongside our special constables, there are 128 police support volunteers, working across a variety of different roles, including cadet leaders, rural mounted volunteers, public contact volunteers working alongside our neighbourhood police teams and over 1,200 Community Speed Watch volunteers.

Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley said: “Running every year since 1984, the week highlights the impact volunteering has, from supporting frontline officers to engaging with communities and providing specialist skills.

“This week provides the perfect time to shine a light on our incredible volunteers, who find the time to help keep our communities safe and support the Force to deliver our three priorities – being tough on crime, keeping people safe, and putting victims and witnesses first.

“Thank you to all of our volunteers for your incredible commitment, professionalism and willingness to step forward to make a real and lasting difference on every single shift.”

We will be celebrating the good work of our volunteers and showcasing them throughout the week, so keep an eye out for these posts.

Do you want to make a real difference to communities by volunteering with Dorset Police? Special Constabulary recruitment is open now and we have plenty of other volunteering opportunities for you to choose from. Find out more here: https://recruitment.dorset.police.uk/dorset-police-careers/dorset-volunteers-special-constables/

27/05/2026

Statement about the disorder on Bournemouth beach

“This shocking and completely unacceptable behaviour has no place in Dorset. In fact, it has no place in any decent society. Families and law‑abiding citizens were simply trying to enjoy our beautiful beaches, and instead were subjected to violence, intimidation and fear caused by a minority intent on causing harm.

I fully support the swift and courageous response of our officers, who faced hostility and danger to protect the public and prevent the situation escalating further. Let me be absolutely clear – we will not tolerate this kind of disorder and those responsible will face the full consequences of their actions.

We are determined to work with our partners to stamp out this type of behaviour and ensure Dorset remains a safe place for residents and visitors alike. Make no mistake - if you come here intent on causing trouble, you can expect to spend time in a police cell.”

DS
PCC for Dorset

BOURNEMOUTH | Officers responding to unacceptable disorder were able to prevent serious injuries and protect the wider public from harm in Bournemouth.

At around 6pm on Tuesday 26 May 2026, a fight occurred on the beach in the area of the Pier Approach, which led to disorder involving a large number of people.

Officers who were in the area on patrol responded very quickly before being joined by additional resources, including a police dog and the NPAS helicopter, to disperse those involved.

During the response to the incident, officers were met with violence and hostility, including glass bottles and objects being thrown at them.

Fast-time work on the beach resulted in three arrests being made. A 22-year-old man from Tottenham in London was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. A 17-year-old boy from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of assault and affray and a 17-year-old boy from the Portsmouth area was arrested on suspicion of affray. All three remain in police custody at this time.

Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, BCP Local Policing Commander, said: “The levels of violence and disorder we saw last night on the beach were absolutely unacceptable and not something we will tolerate here in Dorset.

“Over the Bank Holiday weekend we had many families enjoying our beaches respectfully and we would like to thank all law-abiding visitors, but yesterday there were groups of young people who had travelled from out of the county and were intent on causing disorder.

“We have commenced a robust investigation into the events of last night and will be working to make sure anyone involved is held accountable for their behaviour.

“I want to praise the officers who were involved for their professional and courageous actions. The swift response quickly de-escalated the situation and prevented any further large-scale disorder.

“Not only were they trying to prevent the situation from escalating, they were also responding to critical medical emergencies on the beach, which included giving CPR to a woman and helping provide support to the ambulance service. This type of disorder takes officers away from dealing with what matters most, protecting the public.

“Despite the volume of objects being thrown, it is extremely fortunate that none of our officers were seriously injured.

“I know there is footage circulating online and we would ask that you do not share it and report anything of relevance to us.

“We are aware of information on social media saying that someone was stabbed during the disorder, but this is incorrect and we are not aware of anyone sustaining any stab wounds or serious injuries.

“There will be an ongoing large police presence in the area of the beach. Our message is strong and clear – do not visit Bournemouth if you are intent on causing harm. Stop your children, make sure you know where they are going and what they are doing. Violence and disorder will not be tolerated in Dorset.”

Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said “We are a resort where people want to be — clearly evidenced by the thousands of visitors who chose our beaches this last weekend and who are still here now enjoying themselves this half term.

"We welcome everyone who comes here to enjoy our beautiful coastline and treat others with respect. But to those visiting our seafront intent on causing disorder or committing crime, our message is clear: you are not welcome.

"We are grateful to Dorset Police for their swift response to last night’s incident and will continue to work closely with them to ensure our resort remains safe for the overwhelming majority who do act responsibly."

27/05/2026

Last week, I launched the second OPCC Youth Survey, inviting young people across Dorset who are aged under 25 to share their views. This survey is a key part of our youth participation strategy, ensuring young people’s voices directly shape our work, particularly around preventing violence and reducing harm.

Last year, your feedback gave us vital insight into your experiences and concerns. It has already influenced the work of my Violence Reduction and Prevention Team and led to real investment in initiatives which are making a difference today.

This year, we want to go further. This survey is your opportunity to see how your voice has led to action - and to help shape what comes next.

Read about just some of the ways feedback from the last survey has made an impact:

Have Your Say: Second Dorset Youth Survey launches