13 Hampshire police officers booted out of force for 'unacceptable behaviour'

Thirteen Hampshire police officers were booted out of the force for “unacceptable behaviour” this year.

The 13 officers are among 757 police officers who were barred from policing this year, the College of Policing said today. In Sussex, 20 officers were banned from policing.

The officers from across England and Wales were added to the barred list following breaches of professional standards.

The reasons cited for the sackings range from dishonesty and discriminatory behaviour to assault and sexual offences.

Additionally, a child sexual offence was cited as a dismissal reason six times, stalking eight times, and rape five times.

The list includes officers who retire or resign while under investigation, helping to ensure accountability and greater transparency in the way misconduct is dealt with.

Police constables were the most common rank added to the list, accounting for 641 officers. But senior ranks were not exempt, with five superintendents and four chief superintendents also barred from ever working for a force again.

Some sackings had more than one recorded reason, with the most frequently cited including:

• 142 instances of dishonesty
• 110 instances of discriminatory behaviour
• 101 instances of unlawful access or disclosure of information
• 87 instances of sexual offences or misconduct
• 72 instances involving powers, policies or procedures

As agreed with the Information Commissioner's Office, the public barred list is searchable. Details held on the public list include the name and force of the officer, their rank and number and the date and reason for dismissal.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: “We are committed to challenging and tackling unacceptable behaviour, supporting our workforce, and upholding the highest standards of policing.

“The 13 dismissals demonstrate that we take robust action when officers or staff fail to meet the standards expected of them. Allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and, where proven, appropriate action is taken, including dismissal where necessary.

“Maintaining public trust and confidence is a priority, and we remain committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and a culture where unacceptable behaviour is challenged and addressed.”

Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing, ACC Arman Mathieson, said: "Policing is built on trust, and these figures show we will not hesitate to act when that trust is broken. 757 officers have been removed and barred from ever serving again, including those who retired or resigned while under investigation.

"This represents 0.5% of all serving officers, with the vast majority of officers serving with courage, professionalism and integrity. We all deserve a service that roots out those who fall short. Where standards are breached, we will find out, and we will act."

“Since the Barred List was introduced in December 2017, 3,591 regular officers have been added in total, with the pace of dismissals accelerating markedly: 757 officers were barred last year alone, more than in any single year since the list began, and over twice the annual average of the preceding four years.”