757 Police Officers Barred in England and Wales
The College of Policing released a searchable list of dismissed officers, detailing ranks, forces, and specific breaches of professional standards.
By James Brooks ·
More than 750 police officers were removed from service and barred from future policing work in England and Wales over the past year. The College of Policing released data showing that 757 officers were added to the barred list following breaches of professional standards.
The total represents 0.5 percent of all serving officers. Since the barred list began in December 2017, 3,591 regular officers have been added. The number of dismissals in the last year exceeds any previous annual total and is more than twice the average of the preceding four years.
The most common reasons for dismissal included dishonesty, cited 142 times, and discriminatory behavior, cited 110 times. Officers were also removed for unlawful access or disclosure of information, with 101 citations. Sexual offenses or misconduct accounted for 87 dismissals, while offenses abusing powers or disregarding procedures accounted for 72.
Specific criminal charges appeared frequently in the records. Sexual assault was cited 24 times, and sexual or inappropriate touching was cited 29 times. Officers abusing their position for sexual purpose were cited 46 times, and inappropriate communications were cited 53 times. Drink driving was a reason for 30 dismissals. Child sex offenses were cited six times, rape five times, and stalking eight times.
Police constables made up the largest group, with 641 officers added to the list. Senior ranks were also affected, including five superintendents and four chief superintendents. The Metropolitan Police had the highest number of dismissed officers, with 195. Greater Manchester Police followed with 46, West Midlands Police with 38, West Yorkshire Police with 29, and Essex Police with 28.
ACC Arman Mathieson, Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing, stated that policing is built on trust and that the figures show a willingness to act when that trust is broken. He noted that the service aims to root out those who fall short. The list includes officers who retired or resigned while under investigation.
The public barred list is searchable in agreement with the Information Commissioner's Office. Entries include the name and force of the officer, their rank and number, and the date and reason for dismissal.
