WIREDGOV

The College of Policing has published annual figures for officers barred from working in policing in the year to the end of March 2025. They show 735 regular officers (excluding Special Constables) were placed on the barred list, an increase of 24% on the previous year (593).

Responding to the figures, APCC Joint Leads for Accountability and Transparency, Alison Lowe OBE and Rupert Matthews said:

“These figures demonstrate the benefits of the work policing is doing to root out officers unfit to serve. The recent BBC Panorama revelations illustrate how critical it is that work continues if we are to rebuild public trust and confidence in the police service.

“Strengthened vetting procedures, the College of Policing’s Code of Practice, and the upcoming introduction of the ‘Hillsborough Law’ which will make honesty and openness a legal requirement for all police officers and staff show that policing is serious about creating a service comprised solely of officers and staff who abide by the highest standards – as the vast majority do.

“Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Deputy Mayors for Policing and Crime recognise that chief constables are responsible for the discipline of police forces. We will, however, be robust in holding them to account on behalf of the public who rightly expect and deserve a police service of the highest quality.”

Notes

• Alison Lowe OBE is West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
• Rupert Matthews is PCC for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland