College publishes list of ‘disapproved’ officers

More than 400 former police officers were placed on the national disapproved register in its first 12 months, according to new figures released by the College of Policing.

The register contains the names of officers who are barred from working in the police service after having been dismissed or resigned or retired while subject to a gross misconduct investigation in which there would have been a case to answer.

A total of 444 officers, ranging in rank from police constable to superintendent, have been included on the register.

All 43 forces across England and Wales, as well as British Transport Police and the Ministry of Defence Police, have officers on the register.

The college said the majority of the officers were included following internal disciplinary procedures, with 405 (91 per cent) the result of internal complaints and investigations arising from reports by colleagues. A further 39 (nine per cent) resulted from complaints from members of the public.

The figures showed 371 constables left following or during gross misconduct proceedings, as well as 47 sergeants, 20 inspectors, four chief inspectors and two superintendents.

The college said the most common reason for being included on the register was data misuse (59 officers), followed by a failure to perform duty (50) and giving false evidence (41). The majority – 269 cases (61 per cent) – related to on-duty conduct.

Chief Constable Alex Marshall, chief executive of the College of Policing, said the figures demonstrate that the police are effective at investigating misconduct and that officers and staff are confident in reporting colleagues.

“The college is committed to being open with the public about the number of officers who have left the police service and the reasons why,” he said.

“It is encouraging to see 91 per cent of misconduct cases came from internal complaints and investigations. This shows the willingness of police officers and forces to confront unacceptable behaviour and use the formal misconduct mechanisms to hold offenders to account.

“Confidence remains high in policing with a recent poll showing 66 per cent of the public who were asked said they generally trusted police to tell the truth, which is the highest figure since 1983.”

He added that the creation of a code of ethics last year for both police officers and staff has improved transparency, as well as a register detailing chief officers’ pay, business interests and gifts and hospitality.

New regulations came into force this year preventing police officers from resigning or retiring if they are subject to an allegation that could lead to dismissal.