WIREDGOV

New regulations, which stop police officers from resigning or retiring if they are subject to an allegation that could lead to dismissal, came into force on 12 January 2015.  Officers will be prevented from resigning or retiring until any case has concluded or has found that the officer will not face a dismissal hearing.

A chief officer or Police & Crime Commissioner will only be able to consent to an officer’s resignation or retirement if they are deemed medically unfit or in other ‘exceptional circumstances’.  From 1 December 2013 to 1 August 2014, 144 officers resigned or retired whilst subject to a gross misconduct investigation, preventing them from being held to account for their actions.  

• New regulations prevent police officers retiring or resigning to avoid dismissal
• Will it be enough to restore public trust in police standards?
• HMCIC: “The operational integrity & independence of chief constables is sacrosanct.”
• IPCC publishes reports from misconduct investigations into senior Cleveland Police officers
• IPCC response to resignation of Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Officer