One In 100 Police Officers Faced Criminal Investigation in 2021

London: Disturbing figures confirm that criminal charges against officers have ‘skyrocketed’ by 590% since 2012, with one in 100 officers in England and Wales facing a criminal investigation in the last year alone. The Observer has found that the Police Federation, the staff association for police constables, sergeants, and inspectors, has received 1,387 claims for legal support for their officers facing criminal charges in 2022. The Police Federation support officers facing misconduct spanning from offensive messaging to more impactful offences such as sexual offences.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services further reports that of the 668 volunteers who responded to their survey, 42 volunteers reported alleged criminal offences. Female officers and staff reported their experience in the workplace and social events, including unwarranted sexual comments by male officers, such as comments about vulnerable sex workers who were the victims of crime.

Concerns have previously been expressed regarding the leadership shown by senior officers who are said to have been covering up occurrences of misconduct towards female officers and staff, where it has been warned that ‘hundreds if not thousands’ of officers are surpassing the vetting system despite their concerning behaviour and history. In response to such failures in police officer dismissal and investigations, the Home Office is introducing a review of police standards and culture, to introduce a ‘fair but robust disciplinary system’ to ensure public confidence.