Police Misconduct
Outcomes & Statistics (UK)
Independent breakdown of UK police misconduct statistics. Understand dismissal rates, gross misconduct findings, barred list referrals and long-term trends.
Executive Summary
Misconduct headlines often lack context. Raw numbers rarely tell the full story.
This guide consolidates publicly available national data to explain how many officers face proceedings, how many are dismissed, and what long-term trends show. Structured. Neutral. Data-led.
1. The Scale of Complaints
Across England and Wales, tens of thousands of complaints are recorded annually. In recent national reporting cycles, complaint volumes have typically exceeded 60,000 per year.
However, complaint does not equal misconduct. Most complaints are resolved locally, result in no formal disciplinary action, or do not progress to a misconduct hearing.
Complaint ≠ Misconduct finding.
Investigation ≠ Proven
breach.
2. From Complaint to Formal Application
Out of total complaints, roughly 10,000+ result in some form of investigation. Only a fraction progress to formal misconduct proceedings, and an even smaller number reach a gross misconduct hearing.
Formal misconduct hearings typically number in the low thousands annually. Compared to a workforce of over 140,000, this is a small proportion.
3. Gross Misconduct Hearing Outcomes
Outcomes typically fall into four categories: Dismissal without notice, Final written warning, Written warning, or No case to answer.
50–65%
Result in Dismissal
15–25%
Final Written Warning
historic national patterns estimates.
4. Dismissals in Workforce Context
Annual dismissals usually number several hundred. Against 140,000+ officers, this is well under 1% annually. Absolute numbers may appear high, but relative impact remains small.
5. Common Categories for Dismissal
- Dishonesty
- Abuse of position (sexual)
- Corruption
- Criminal Convictions
Lower-level issues are more likely to result in warnings.
6. Suspension Data Context
Suspension is used for risk mitigation. Annual suspensions number in the hundreds. Crucially, suspension does not predetermine dismissal. Many officers return to full duty.
7. Barred List Referrals
Gross misconduct dismissal usually triggers referral. Placements remain in the low hundreds annually—a very small percentage relative to workforce size.
8. Appeal Outcomes
Some decisions are overturned, reduced, or found flawed. However, appeals remain statistically uncommon compared to total cases.
9. IOPC vs Internal PSD
Most cases are handled internally by Professional Standards Departments. Only the most serious involve IOPC oversight.
10. Long-Term Trends
Recent cycles show increased transparency, accelerated hearings, and focus on integrity. However, dismissal percentages relative to workforce size have remained broadly stable.
11. Common Misinterpretations
Thousands dismissed annually.
RealityDismissals are a small fraction of the workforce.
Suspension equals dismissal.
RealityIt is neutral; many return.
12. Pension & Misconduct
Very few misconduct dismissals result in pension forfeiture.
Forfeiture requires criminal conviction and separate certification. Gross misconduct alone does not remove pension.
| Category | Approx Annual Scale | Relative % |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints Recorded | 60,000+ | N/A |
| Formal Investigations | 10,000+ | Small % |
| Gross Misconduct Hearings | ~1,000 | <1% |
| Dismissals | Several hundred | <1% |
| Barred List Placements | Low hundreds | <0.5% |
Figures reflect consolidated national reporting trends and may vary year to year.
Misconduct Data Context Tool
Calculate the relative scale of dismissals against workforce size.
Default: ~147,000 (Approx. England & Wales officer strength)
Default: ~400 (Approx. annual dismissals)
Dismissals represent a tiny fraction of the total workforce, despite high-profile reporting.
*Educational guidance only. Figures are illustrative. Official statistics are published by the Home Office and IOPC.
Common Questions
What percentage of police officers are dismissed each year?
Typically well under 1% of the total workforce annually.
How many police officers face gross misconduct hearings?
Usually in the low thousands nationally each year.
Does suspension usually lead to dismissal?
No. Many suspended officers return to duty.
How many officers are placed on the barred list annually?
Low hundreds across England and Wales.
Are most complaints upheld?
No. Most complaints do not result in formal misconduct findings.
"Misconduct statistics must be read in context. Relative impact on total workforce remains small."