FIGHTING CRIME FOR Dorset Police does not necessarily mean a lifetime of pounding the beat in the West Country. The force allows officers to apply for the chance to work for other organisations and several of its staff have been seconded to war zones abroad to investigate misdeeds there. In addition, employees are allowed to take career breaks of up to five years. Many of the employees who leave return at a later date and it is common for several family members to work for the force. The average constable earns £34,536 a year, is 41, and has been with Dorset Police for 10 years. Almost a third (872) of the workforce are on £35,001 or more. Staff would not leave tomorrow if they were offered another job (66% positive, the 12th best score among the top 50 mid-size public bodies). The force makes a difference (70%) and the work is an important part of who its people are (70%). www.dorset.police.uk
