TWO special constables in Dorset have resigned and a PC was disciplined for inappropriate use of social networking websites.

Nationally, at least two officers have been sacked, seven quit and 150 were disciplined after posting inappropriate photos or comments on sites such as Facebook over the last four years.

The details were revealed after a request under the Freedom of Information Act and a review by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

In Dorset, two special constables resigned in 2010 prior to a hearing.

Dorset Police said only that their cases involved the ‘misuse’ of a social networking site.

In 2011, one constable went through the formal misconduct process, which resulted in management action for misuse of social networking sites.

Nationally, there were examples of officers using social networking sites to harass former partners and ex-colleagues, to comment on others’ wives and to suggest they had beaten up members of the public during protests.

Some revealed details of police operations, tried to befriend victims of crime, or were caught in inappropriate photographs.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We would expect our officers to behave with professionalism and respect and show the force values of integrity and fairness.”

Roger Baker, who led a review into police corruption for the Inspectorate, said: “Social networking is seen as a risk by all forces and authorities, but there are limited or inconsistent policies around what is acceptable, what you should or shouldn’t do.”

Chairman of the Dorset Police Federation Clive Chamberlain said the figures were ‘not unduly worrying’ given the number of people employed by Dorset Police.

He added: “The code of conduct for how officers behave applies to them while off duty as well as on.

“Guidelines – which the federation supports – have been published as to what is acceptable and people must ensure they don’t fall foul of those.”