Over 750 officers sacked and barred from policing, latest figures show
More than 750 police officers have been barred from policing this year, according to latest figures released by the College of Policing on Tuesday (November 3).
The 757 officers from across England and Wales were added to the latest barred list following breaches of professional standards.
The reasons cited for the sackings range from dishonesty and discriminatory behaviour to assault and sexual offences.
Additionally, a child sexual offence was cited as a dismissal reason six times, stalking eight times, and rape five times.
The list includes officers who retire or resign while under investigation, helping to ensure accountability and greater transparency in the way misconduct is dealt with.
Police constables were the most common rank added to the list, accounting for 641 officers. But senior ranks were not exempt, with five superintendents and four chief superintendents also barred from ever working for a force again.
Some sackings had more than one recorded reason, with the most frequently cited including:
142 instances of dishonesty
110 instances of discriminatory behaviour
101 instances of unlawful access or disclosure of information
87 instances of sexual offences or misconduct
72 instances involving powers, policies or procedures
Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing, Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson, said: “Policing is built on trust, and these figures show we will not hesitate to act when that trust is broken. 757 officers have been removed and barred from ever serving again, including those who retired or resigned while under investigation.
“This represents 0.5 per cent of all serving officers, with the vast majority of officers serving with courage, professionalism and integrity. We all deserve a service that roots out those who fall short. Where standards are breached, we will find out, and we will act.
“Since the Barred List was introduced in December 2017, 3,591 regular officers have been added in total, with the pace of dismissals accelerating markedly: 757 officers were barred last year alone, more than in any single year since the list began, and over twice the annual average of the preceding four years.”
As agreed with the Information Commissioner’s Office, the public barred list is searchable. Details held on the public list include the name and force of the officer, their rank and number and the date and reason for dismissal.