Record 757 officers barred from policing in England and Wales

The College of Policing reported that 757 officers were barred from policing in England and Wales in the year to March 2026, the highest annual total since the list began in 2017. The figure rose from 735 in 2024/25 and 594 in 2023/24. Officers, special constables and police staff dismissed for breaching professional standards can be added to the list, which prevents them from returning to policing. The College said 3,591 regular officers had been added since the list was introduced in December 2017. Among the 757 officers added in 2025/26, 334 were serving when they were placed on the list, 397 had resigned and 26 had retired. Police constables accounted for 641 of the total, followed by 84 sergeants and 18 inspectors. Five chief inspectors, five superintendents and four chief superintendents were also listed. The figures recorded 142 cases involving dishonesty, 110 involving discriminatory behaviour and 101 involving unlawful access to or disclosure of information. There were 87 cases involving sexual offences or misconduct, including six child sexual abuse cases and five rape cases. Abuse of position for a sexual purpose was recorded in 46 cases. The College said multiple...