Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

26/08/2026

Pleased to be out today in Bournemouth at the first deployment of the Live Facial Recognition van.

I had some interesting conversations with members of the public about the use of the van and the safeguards and scrutiny that’s in place around its use here in Dorset.

To find out more go online at Dorset Police or use this link - https://bit.ly/3SBl1FF

DS

25/08/2026

I’m really pleased to see Dorset Police rolling out a new roadside breath-testing technology across the county. This innovative technology will help officers detect and deal with drink drivers more quickly, keeping dangerous motorists off our roads and making Dorset safer for everyone. Supporting the use of the latest technology is a key part of ensuring our police have the tools they need to protect our communities.🚔

ROAD SAFETY | The latest mobile evidential breath test machine has been rolled out for use in Dorset improving how officers can catch drink drivers 🍺❌

The Lion Intoxilyzer 9000 measures the amount of alcohol found in a motorist using pulsed infrared technology on a breath sample.

As it is an evidential form of testing, a sample can be taken at the roadside where previously this would need to be taken in custody, slowing down the process.

The device is now in use across the county by the Roads Policing Team.

On Tuesday 18 August 2026, the breathalyser was used for the first time in Dorset. The motorist reportedly provided a reading of 167 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is nearly five times the legal drink drive limit of 35 micrograms.

Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “This latest breath testing device improves the precision with which we can detect a drink driver and ensure they are taken off the road quicker.

“The breathalyser saves time when providing an evidential test, allowing our team to be out and about on the roads more, identifying those who may potentially cause harm to other road users.

“Previously, when someone was brought into custody to provide an evidential sample their body continues to process the alcohol and the reading provided would be different to that taken at the roadside. This could mean they subsequently were found to be under the legal limit when providing an evidential sample.

“This new evidential roadside testing eliminates this issue and means we can take more dangerous motorists off the road.

“Drink driving is one of the fatal five road traffic offences and a motorist driving under the influence can kill or seriously injure another road user in a road traffic collision. Since the beginning of 2023, 113 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions where being impaired or affected by alcohol was a contributing factor.

“This latest equipment strengthens our mission to stop anyone from driving or riding while under the influence of alcohol.

“We are really pleased to be one of the first forces across the country using this new equipment and will always look to utilise the latest technology to keep everyone safe across Dorset.”

10/08/2026

Today I have launched a public survey on the Government's proposed police reforms. These are potentially significant changes for policing, and it is important that the people of Dorset have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

While we do not yet know what the final proposals will look like, any future decisions should take account of the views and priorities of local communities.

I would encourage residents, businesses and community groups across Dorset to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their thoughts.

To ensure all responses are officially registered - we ask that views are shared via the survey and not in comments on this post.

Dorset PCC launches public survey on the future of policing

06/08/2026

Summer is one of Dorset's busiest times of year. Our roads are busier, our beaches and town centres are packed with residents and visitors, and our emergency services are working harder than ever to keep people safe.

When someone dials 999, they need to know help will be there without delay. That's why Dorset Police has launched the 'Making the Right Call' campaign – reminding everyone that choosing the right way to contact the police helps ensure emergency lines remain available for those whose lives or safety are at immediate risk.

Find out more about the campaign and how to contact Dorset Police in this weeks newsletter:

Making the Right Call: Helping Keep Emergency Lines Free When Every Second Counts

03/08/2026

Could you help ensure fairness, dignity and respect for people in police custody?

We're looking for volunteers to become Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) in Dorset.

ICVs make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the welfare and rights of people detained by the police. Their independent observations help maintain the high standards expected in custody and provide valuable feedback that supports transparency and public confidence in policing.

This is a unique and rewarding volunteering opportunity where you can make a real difference in your community.

Find out more and apply today:
https://www.dorset.pcc.police.uk/get-involved/volunteering/custody-visiting/apply-now/

30/07/2026

As we move further into the summer and closer to Dorset's busiest period of the tourist season, with thousands of visitors expected to enjoy day trips, holidays and staycations across our beautiful county, you may have seen Dorset Police talking about having a Good Safe Summer - the Force's summer policing campaign.

As part of the campaign, you might see Dorset Police talking about hotspot patrols across the county. But what exactly does that mean? Policing often uses terminology that can be unclear or mean something different to the public. As the voice of the public in policing, I believe it is important that we make this language accessible and transparent, so that people understand not only what these initiatives involve, but also the difference they are making in our communities.

With that in mind, I'm delighted to invite Inspector Sophie Williams, who has been leading Dorset's hotspot patrol initiative, to explain more about the work taking place. Inspector Williams shares what hotspot patrols involve, why they are being used, and the impact they are having on reducing crime and keeping people safe this summer.

Good Safe Summer: The Difference Hotspot Patrols Make

29/07/2026

I am absolutely delighted that the Dorset Independent Custody Visiting Scheme has been recognised with ICVA's Gold Quality Assurance Award. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our volunteer Independent Custody Visitors and the team in my office who manage the scheme.

Our Custody Visitors play a vital role in providing independent scrutiny of Dorset Police's custody facilities, helping to ensure that anyone who is detained is treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity. Their unannounced visits and constructive challenge strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.

To receive a Gold award from the Independent Custody Visiting Association is a significant endorsement of the high standards we have set here in Dorset. I would like to thank every one of our volunteers for generously giving their time to this important work and congratulate everyone involved in achieving this well-deserved national recognition.

Dorset custody visiting scheme wins national award

23/07/2026

Are you interested in policing and public accountability?

The Dorset Police and Crime Panel is seeking two committed and enthusiastic persons that lives in Dorset to serve as a co-opted member on the panel.

This role is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the arrangements for police governance and accountability, which would involve supporting and scrutinising the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4hsp6G7

17/07/2026

🍃 Leaf no trace!

As gardens burst into life this summer, many of us will be pruning, mowing and clearing outdoor spaces.

Remember: garden waste belongs in compost bins, recycling centres or with registered waste carriers - not dumped in our countryside.

By disposing of waste responsibly, you're helping to protect Dorset's wildlife, landscapes and rural communities.

Let's work together to keep Dorset beautiful this summer.

17/07/2026

Prevention will always be one of the smartest investments we can make in policing.

In this week's newsletter I want to share more information about two projects I have funded which are helping young people across Dorset.

https://bit.ly/DorsetYouthProjects