The funding of officers and the mechanism by which officers are paid is causing huge issues within Dorset Police, writes Federation Chair James Dimmack.

“Dorset is one of the worst funded Police forces in the country. Due to the funding formula recent pay rises and NI contributions have all cost Dorset Police money. This cost is heaped onto an in real terms ever decreasing budget.

“Dorset have been making efficiencies for years now. This is to such an extent that those efficiencies can only now mean one thing… the loss of people. This has manifested itself in a recent round of mutually agreed redundancies for Police Staff.

"We have lost a huge amount of experience and frankly good people.

“The work they undertook will now be absorbed by ever saturated officers and staff still remaining. We are seeing Police officers posted into back office roles to cover this all the while the front line is struggling.

“Dorset are desperately trying to address this - however the lack of appropriate funding means this is an ever more difficult prospect. Dorset Police needs to be funded appropriately and fairly.

“Talk of efficiency is nonsense there is no more slack to be had alas.

“Dorset Police are making difficult and unpopular decisions in order to balance the books. Funding must be provided so we can get back to what we do best which is effective Policing.

“Dorset Police is full of good people doing their best unfortunately under huge pressure.