Tetra will replace the analogue system being used by police

Dorset Police is trying to reassure officers the new system is safe after concerns were raised.

Police federations in Hampshire and Dorset say they have been contacted by officers saying they do not want to use the system because of health fears.

But Dorset Police said that if they believed "the technology was unsafe, the force would not use it".

Dorset Police has been advised that Tetra and Airwave are safe Superintendent Colin Matthews

At present, Tetra is being used alongside the analogue system it is eventually going to replace.

MMO2 Airwave, which is putting up the masts, says there are no proven health risks in using the new system.

Steve Price, Hampshire Police Federation chairman, said: "If my members are concerned then I'm concerned, I'll probably be issued with it in the future so I'll be a user as well."

But Supt Colin Matthews, of Dorset Police, said: "Should a police officer have concerns regarding the use of Tetra and Airwave, because they believe there may be a risk, Dorset Police would make the officer aware of the overwhelming weight of responsible and verifiable scientific evidence.

"Dorset Police has been advised that Tetra and Airwave are safe.

"The force would expect its officers to use the system to ensure the safety of the public as well their own safety. It is a very valuable tool."

The system, costing �2.9bn, is being introduced by the Home Office to all forces in the UK.

The government has commissioned a study by London's Imperial College, but it will not report for a decade.