The implementation of stricter disciplinary rules by ministers, in response to a recent series of high-profile scandals, could lead to the dismissal of over 2,000 police officers within the next year.
Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, is poised to unveil reforms that will grant chief constables greater powers and autonomy to remove officers for misconduct or abusive behavior.
This development comes on the heels of notable cases such as David Carrick, who was expelled from the Metropolitan Police after being identified as one of the UK’s most prolific sex offenders, as well as Met police constable Wayne Couzens, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard.
Chief constables have been advocating for increased powers, as currently it is challenging to dismiss officers even when they are deemed unfit to interact with the public and are placed on restricted duties. Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has upwards of 500 officers on his force who are currently barred from normal duties but cannot be terminated. Considering that Scotland Yard accounts for approximately 25% of the total police headcount in England and Wales, it is estimated that the overall number of dismissals could exceed 2,000.
The new disciplinary system will involve reducing the number of stages to just two, with chief constables assuming the role of ultimate decision-makers instead of legally qualified civilian panels.
According to the National Police Chiefs Council, senior officers are twice as likely as independent chairs to recommend the termination of police officers who have committed gross misconduct.
‘Toxic minority’
Serving officers will now be subject to the same vetting standards as new police applicants. Consequently, any serving officer who commits an offense that would disqualify them from being hired in the first place will now face dismissal.
Chief constables will also have the ability to expedite the dismissal process for officers “who demonstrate a serious inability or failure to perform the duties or their rank or role, including where they have failed to maintain their vetting status.” Currently, this process consists of three stages.
During a recent meeting with MPs, Met Commissioner Sir Mark revealed that he was unable to rid the force of its “toxic minority” of “corrupt” officers due to rules that require him to defer decision-making on terminations to independent panels.
After announcing the review, Mrs. Braverman stated her commitment to implementing effective measures: “I want to do what works. That’s why I have taken seriously what the Met Commissioner has said about the process relating to police misconduct hearings and disciplinary process.”
Sources involved in the process have indicated that it will be completed within a matter of weeks, allowing the new rules to come into effect later this year.
A department spokesperson stated, “An update will be provided in due course.”
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