Official Statistics

Police misconduct, England and Wales: year ending 31 March 2023

Published 30 January 2024

Applies to England and Wales

Frequency of release: Annual

Forthcoming releases: Home Office statistics release calendar

Home Office responsible statistician: Rosanna Currenti

Press enquiries: 0300 123 3535

Public enquiries: policingstatistics@homeoffice.gov.uk

Privacy information notice

Introduction

Following the introduction of new legislation in February 2020 to strengthen the police discipline system, the Home Office expanded its data collection and established this standalone statistical series. The data is ‘Official Statistics in Development’ to acknowledge that they are undergoing development and should be interpreted with caution.

Key findings

Misconduct proceedings

• 1,300 individuals were referred to formal misconduct proceedings as a result of all cases (police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters) finalised by the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales in the year ending 31 March 2023; of these, 972 were police officers and 328 were police staff
• the most common proceedings type for officers was a misconduct meeting, with 53% referred to a meeting (519 of the 972 officers referred to misconduct proceedings); of the 518 police officers referred to a misconduct meeting (where the misconduct finding level was known), misconduct was found proven for 79% (409) of officers
• 27% of officers were referred to a misconduct hearing (266 of the 972 officers referred to misconduct proceedings); of the 266 police officers referred to a hearing, gross misconduct was found proven for 78% (207) of officers and misconduct was found proven for 9% (25) of officers.
• a further 19% of officers were referred to an accelerated misconduct hearing (187 of the 972 officers referred to misconduct proceedings); of the 187 police officers referred to an accelerated hearing, gross misconduct was found proven for 99% (186) of officers and misconduct was found proven for 1% (1) of officers.

Allegations

These statistics cover 3 distinct categories of allegations:

1. Police complaints by the public A police complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction with a police force by, or on behalf of, a member of the public. This can cover complaints about policing practice and service issues, as well as complaints about the conduct of its officers and staff.
2. Conduct matters raised internallyA conduct matter is any matter that, is not and has not, been the subject of a complaint, where there is an indication that the person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner which would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.
3. Recordable conduct matters A recordable conduct matter, is a distinct category (and not a subset of conduct matters) where a conduct matter appears to have resulted in the death or serious injury of any person; has had an adverse effect on a member of the public; or, meets any of the criteria set out in regulation 7 of the Complaints Regulations, this includes serious assaults, sexual offences and corruption.

The year ending 31 March 2023 data shows that in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales:

• a total of 51,605 police complaints, involving 42,854 identifiable police officers, were finalised; these complaints involved 120,243 allegations
• a total of 2,773 conduct matter cases, involving 3,188 identifiable police officers, were finalised; these conduct matters involved 5,363 allegations
• a total of 1,169 recordable conduct matter cases, involving 1,316 identifiable police officers, were finalised; these recordable conduct matters involved 2,402 allegations

1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction

This release contains information on the number of police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters finalised by the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales in the year ending 31 March 2023.

This publication primarily focuses on those which were referred to misconduct proceedings. Data for all cases referred to misconduct proceedings is presented by:

• breach type
• the type of proceeding
• the outcome at such proceedings including the level of misconduct found proven and disciplinary actions imposed

Information is also provided on the individuals involved in such proceedings by protected characteristics. See chapter 2 for information on misconduct proceedings.

Following the outcome at misconduct proceedings, officers may appeal to the Police Appeals Tribunals (PAT). Information is presented in this bulletin on the number of appeals made by police officers to the PAT, including whether the appeal was upheld and whether the outcome initially imposed was amended. See chapter 3 for information on PATs.

Not all allegations will be handled at misconduct proceedings; in some allegations there may not have been a case to answer for misconduct, or the allegation was resolved via other means. Information is provided on the total number of police complaint, conduct matter and recordable conduct matter allegations finalised, including those not referred to misconduct proceedings. For all allegations, information is provided on:

• allegation and breach types
• whether there was a case to answer
• the action and result taken

In addition, timeliness measures are presented for how long it took to finalise such cases. See chapter 4 for information on all allegations.

Information is also presented on the number of police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters, that were finalised in the financial year, which involved criminal proceedings. See chapter 5 for information on criminal proceedings.

These statistics include cases raised under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 only, for cases which came to the force’s attention on or after 1 February 2020.

Data is provided for both police officers (including special constables) and staff.

The term ‘police staff’ throughout this report includes civilian staff, Police Community Support Officers (PSCOs) and designated officers. It does not include contractors or police support volunteers.

Complaints or conduct matters can also be raised about a person who has since ceased serving with the police.

The data in this release can be found in the accompanying ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales: year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’. This statistical release is also accompanied by new open data tables which include information on misconduct proceedings; ‘Police misconduct open data tables’.

Whilst explanations are provided throughout this release, the user guide to the ‘Police misconduct’ statistical series contains further information about the Police Conduct Regulations and includes a glossary with definitions of key terms used in this publication. It contains further information on the quality and limitations of the data and the ways in which the Home Office engages with users of these statistics.

The data referred to in this release is obtained from Centurion, an operational tool for the recording and processing of professional standards data within police forces. While the data has undergone quality assurance checks, as with all administrative data sets used for the production of statistics, there are known limitations and quality issues to consider. Data in this report is a reflection of cases as recorded on the Centurion system, and users should bear in mind the limitations associated with the data, as highlighted in the accompanying user guide, when interpreting the data.

The data is Official Statistics in Development^{[footnote 1]} (formerly known as experimental statistics^{[footnote 2]}) to acknowledge that they should be interpreted with caution. These statistics are going through development, with a potentially wider degree of uncertainty in the figures whilst processes are established and verified.

As the data is Official Statistics in Development, the Home Office intends to improve the completeness and quality of the data and aims to provide more detailed published statistics in the future. To enable this, the Home Office continues to engage with key users of these statistics to ensure they are developed to meet user needs. To expand our user reach we have launched a user engagement survey to help shape future publications of these statistics. We want to further identify current users and uses of the data, as well as provide a chance for users to give their suggestions on how the publication can better meet their needs.

There have been significant changes throughout this statistical series to the scope of these statistics, counting methodology and to the way in which data is extracted from the Centurion system, therefore it would not be meaningful to compare the data to that of previous years.

1.2 Changes in this release

Scope of the statistics

In the first edition of this statistical series, covering the year ending 31 March 2021, the data covered only those complaints and conduct matters that were deemed serious enough to require investigation. In addition, the data was based on cases finalised in the financial year, irrespective of when the case was received. This means cases may have been handled under either the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 (when the matter came to the force’s attention on or prior to 31 January 2020), or under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 (when the matter came to the force’s attention on or after 1 February 2020). The data presented therefore included cases finalised under both regulations.

In order to simplify these statistics, in year ending 31 March 2022 onwards, the Home Office collected and published data on cases raised under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 only. This decision was made to reflect that changes to the regulations meant that processes on how to handle cases from 1 February 2020 onwards differed to cases handled under the old regulations.

Amendments to the legislation in 2020 included changing the definition of what constitutes misconduct and widening the definition of a complaint. It also included amendments to available disciplinary outcomes, removing the use of management action or management advice and introducing the new reflective practice review process. As such, it is not appropriate to compare complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters handled under the different legislation.

Users should bear in mind that the change in scope of these statistics, to cover only cases handled under the 2020 regulations, means the totals reported are therefore likely an undercount of all complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters finalised. The scale of cases currently ongoing (which means not finalised) under the old regulations is unknown and not captured in these statistics. We anticipate that the number of remaining cases raised under the old regulations should reduce each year as they are finalised.

Furthermore, as these statistics cover cases handled under the 2020 regulations only, they are not comparable to the data collected and published as part of the Home Office review into process of police officer dismissals which covers cases handled under the 2012 and 2020 regulations.

In addition, for the years ending 31 March 2022 onwards, these statistics include information on all cases finalised by police forces, not just those deemed serious enough to investigate as was the case in the first edition of this statistical series (covering the year ending 31 March 2021). This enables users of the data to gain a fuller picture of the number of complaints and conduct matters finalised.

Direct comparisons should not be made between statistics covering the year ending 31 March 2021 and the year ending 31 March 2022 onwards.

Furthermore, in the year ending 31 March 2023, the Home Office amended the counting methodology used in this statistical series. Previously, releases in this statistical series counted the outcome and misconduct level finding of allegations referred to misconduct proceedings. However, in the year 31 March 2023, the counting methodology has been amended to count the outcome and misconduct level finding against individuals referred to misconduct proceedings. An individual may be subject to multiple misconduct proceedings on different dates where this is the case; the individual is counted per proceeding. This amendment to the counting methodology ensures that the outcomes and misconduct finding levels accurately reflect the number of police officers and staff that were referred to proceedings and does not overestimate specific outcomes and misconduct finding levels. For instance, multiple outcomes of “dismissal” will only result in one individual being dismissed and not multiple.

One individual may have multiple allegations against them. If an individual with multiple allegations against them is referred to a misconduct proceeding, the proceeding will hear evidence related to all allegations. The outcome of the proceeding, such as a dismissal, and the misconduct finding level, such as gross misconduct, are recorded against all allegations related to the individual, however for the purpose of these statistics, it is the overall outcome against the individual (for example, proven of gross misconduct and subsequently dismissed) that is counted (which means this would be counted once).

Previously these statistics counted the outcome and misconduct level finding recorded against each allegation for an individual, as separate occurrences. In the year 31 March 2023, the counting methodology has been amended to count on an individual basis. In the example above, this would be counted as one individual found proven of gross misconduct and dismissed.

In instances where one individual has multiple allegations against them, each allegation may receive a different outcome and misconduct finding level. Where this is the case, in a small number of cases, the most severe outcome and misconduct finding level against the individual has been used in these statistics. For example, if an individual attends a misconduct proceeding relating to 3 allegations, 2 of which result in no further action and a misconduct finding level of no misconduct, and one of which is found proven for misconduct and results in a written warning, this will be counted as one individual receiving a written warning and found proven of misconduct.

In addition, for the year ending 31 March 2023, the Home Office used the ‘staff reference’ field on Centurion to count individuals, rather than the ‘subject reference’ field that was used in previous publications. The ‘subject reference’ field generates a new reference for each case an individual is involved in and is no longer used by the Home Office. The ‘staff reference’ field generates a unique staff reference that will remain the same for an individual regardless of the number of cases they are involved in, or the number of allegations raised against them. The data is anonymised, and Home Office statisticians are not able to identify specific individuals from the data. For more information on the counting of individuals see section 3.2 of the user guide.

New content in this release

In addition, this release contains new data sets not previously published, on:

• the protected characteristics of individuals referred to misconduct proceedings
• whether police complaint allegations handled under Schedule 3 were investigated subject to Special Procedures
• appeals to the Police Appeals Tribunals (PAT) following misconduct proceedings

This statistical series is accompanied by new open data tables which include information on misconduct proceedings.

1.3 The police complaints and disciplinary systems

The police complaints and disciplinary systems are key for maintaining confidence in policing, upholding high standards in policing and protecting the public. The systems facilitate the public and those serving within the police to raise concerns about the behaviour of an individual serving with the police. The systems are governed by different pieces of legislation, and this dictates how a particular matter is handled. This includes differences between the processes involved for police officers and members of police staff.

Police complaints from members of the public, recordable conduct matters and death or serious injury (DSI) matters are handled under the Police Reform Act 2002 and the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (the “Complaints Regulations”), whereas internal conduct matters are currently handled under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 (the “Conduct Regulations”). Whilst there are similarities between the systems, there are some distinct differences in how matters are handled.

For allegations referred to misconduct proceedings (the formal process to hear cases initiated when it is determined that an officer or member of police staff has a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct), those proceedings are always held under the Conduct Regulations or associated police staff misconduct procedures, regardless of what legislation the matter was investigated under. This means irrespective of whether the allegation was raised through a public complaint, internal conduct matter or recordable conduct matter, if the allegation is investigated and determined that it should be referred to misconduct proceedings, all those which are referred are handled under the same regulations at the misconduct proceedings stage.

Further information about the police complaints and disciplinary systems can be found in the user guide accompanying this release.

1.4 Official Statistics in Development status

The data is ‘Official Statistics in Development’ to acknowledge that it is undergoing development and should be interpreted with caution.

These statistics were formerly known as ‘experimental statistics’ however the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) introduced new terminology in September 2023. More information can be found in the OSR’s guidance on producing official statistics in development.

The ‘Official Statistics in Development’ status provides a clear statement of the nature of the official statistics going through development, with a potentially wider degree of uncertainty in the figures whilst processes are established and verified. When development has concluded, the label of ‘Official Statistics in Development’ should be removed. Whilst the data requires further development, these statistics do not yet meet the overall standards of ‘Official Statistics’.

Where a development has concluded and the production of the statistics is continuing, then the label of ‘Official Statistics in Development’ should be removed; the statistics should be published as ‘Official Statistics’, making sure to describe their strengths and limitations.

The Home Office intends to improve the completeness and quality of the data in future years. The Home Office will continue to work with Professional Standards Departments (PSDs) within police forces to improve the quality of the data and to provide more detailed published statistics. More information can be found in chapter 3 of the accompanying user guide.

1.5 User engagement

As the data is ‘Official Statistics in Development’, to improve these statistics the Home Office has launched a user engagement survey to help shape future publications. We want to further identify current users and uses of the data, as well as provide a chance for users to give their suggestions on how the publication can better meet their needs.

More information on user engagement can be found in chapter 4 of the accompanying user guide.

1.6 Additional notes on these statistics

The Centurion system

Data in this release is a reflection of cases as recorded on Centurion, an operational tool for the recording and processing of professional standards data within police forces. As with all administrative data sets used for the production of statistics, there are known limitations and quality issues to consider. The user guide to the ‘Police misconduct’ statistical series contains further information about the quality, limitations and known issues regarding the data.

Protected characteristics

Although these statistics report on “gender”, it is likely the Centurion system contains a mix of data on gender and sex (due to differences in user input). For the purpose of these statistics, we are reporting the data in the format it was intended to be collected by the Centurion system. Further information about the quality and limitations of the data can be found in the accompanying user guide.

In the ‘Police misconduct’ statistical bulletin for the year ending 31 March 2022, the self-defined ethnicity of all individuals with an allegation raised against them in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) were recorded as ‘unknown’. This was due to a technical issue which affected the MPS’ data being correctly uploaded to the Centurion system and subsequently through to the Home Office report extracted from Centurion. The Home Office and MPS have now resolved this issue and statistics covering the year ending 31 March 2023 onwards will include the self-defined ethnicity of individuals in the MPS.

Comparisons in this bulletin to the protected characteristics of all police officers and staff (headcount) employed by police forces in England and Wales have been sourced from the ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ publication series.

Timeliness measures

Timeliness measures only cover the timeliness of cases finalised under the current regulations, and as such, do not include cases received before 1 February 2020. Therefore, timeliness measures underestimate the average time taken to finalise a case, as cases finalised under the old regulations are not included.

Timeliness measures are calculated by comparing the date a case was received with the case finalisation date. In a small number of cases, the received date was not recorded. Furthermore, timeliness measures cover all calendar days and do not take into account non-working days, such as weekends and public holidays. Therefore, the timeliness measures may overestimate the average time taken to finalise cases raised under the new regulations.

Further information about the quality and limitations of the data can be found in the accompanying user guide.

Recording of conduct matters against police staff

Staff data should be used with caution, as it may be incomplete and not directly comparable across forces. The Conduct Regulations apply only to police officers (including special constables). Members of police staff are governed by misconduct procedures adopted locally by forces. There may be variances between forces in the procedures adopted for handling conduct matters against police staff.

Whilst the majority of police forces use Centurion to record conduct matters against police staff, some forces do not handle police staff discipline within their Professional Standards Departments (PSDs), instead these matters are dealt with by Human Resource (HR) departments. Matters dealt with by HR departments may not be recorded on Centurion. Some PSDs will record conduct matters against staff on Centurion even though their department is not investigating the case.

Counting conventions

The user guide accompanying this release contains further information on the counting conventions used throughout this statistical series and examples of how cases, allegations and individuals are counted.

2. Misconduct proceedings

2.1 Introduction

Misconduct proceedings are the formal process to hear cases, initiated when it is determined that an officer or member of police staff has a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct. For allegations referred to misconduct proceedings, those proceedings are always held under the Conduct Regulations or associated police staff misconduct procedures, regardless of what legislation the matter was investigated under. This means irrespective of whether the allegation was raised through a public complaint, internal conduct matter or recordable conduct matter, if the allegation is investigated and determined that it should be referred to misconduct proceedings, all those which are referred are handled under the Conduct Regulations.

The proceedings type (meeting, hearing or accelerated hearing) will depend on the severity of the allegation for which it has been determined that an officer has a case to answer:

• a misconduct meeting is held where there is case to answer in respect of misconduct
• a misconduct hearing is held where there is a case to answer in respect of gross misconduct (or where, at the time of the severity assessment, the individual had a final written warning in place or had been reduced in rank within the previous 2 years)
• an accelerated hearing is a fast-tracked misconduct hearing held when there is sufficient evidence (on the balance of probabilities) that the conduct of the individual concerned constitutes gross misconduct and that it is in the public interest that the individual ceases to be a member of the police force without delay.

Not all behaviour which falls short of the standards of professional behaviour engages the discipline system and therefore not all allegations are referred to misconduct proceedings. Other processes, such as the Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP), may be initiated when such behaviour is identified that does not warrant disciplinary action and other processes, such as the Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures (UPP), exist where an individual’s performance is considered unsatisfactory. In addition, for some allegations there may not have been a case to answer for misconduct or the allegation was resolved via others means. This chapter focuses only on allegations which were referred to misconduct proceedings; chapter 4 provides information on how all allegations were handled.

Further information about the “Conduct Regulations” and definitions for key terms used in this publication can be found in the user guide accompanying this release.

An individual may be subject to multiple misconduct proceedings on different dates; where this is the case, the individual is counted once per proceeding. A proceeding may also cover multiple allegations against the same person; where this is the case, the individual is counted once regardless of the number of allegations raised against them. In a small number of instances where proceedings cover multiple allegations against the same person and the allegations have different outcomes or misconduct level findings, the most severe has been used. Furthermore, the number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome, each individual has been counted separately.

2.2 Individuals referred to misconduct proceedings

1,300 individuals were referred to formal misconduct proceedings as a result of all cases (police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters) finalised by the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales, in the year ending 31 March 2023. Of these, 972 were police officers^{[footnote 3]} and 328 were police staff.

Of the 151,050 police officers (including special constables) in post, as at 31 March 2022, this equates to 64 officers being referred to misconduct proceedings per 10,000 (headcount)^{[footnote 4]}. Of the 92,038 police staff (including designated officers and PCSOs) in post as at 31 March 2022, this equates to 36 members of police staff referred to misconduct proceedings per 10,000 (headcount)^{[footnote 5]}.

Figure 2.1 shows the proceedings type for police officers and staff, for misconduct proceedings finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023. The most common proceedings type for officers was a misconduct meeting, with 53% of officers referred to a meeting (519 out of 972). Just over a quarter (27%) of officers were referred to a misconduct hearing (266 out of 972), and a further 19% of officers were referred to an accelerated misconduct hearing (187 out of 972).

Figure 2.1: Proceedings type for individuals referred to misconduct proceedings, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table MP2

Notes:

1. An individual may be subject to multiple proceedings on different dates. Where this is the case, the individual will be counted per proceeding.
2. A proceeding may involve multiple allegations against the same person.
3. The number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome each individual has been counted separately.

The most common proceedings type for staff was a misconduct hearing, with 73% (238 out of 328) of police staff referred to a hearing. The remaining 27% (90 out of 328) of staff referred to misconduct proceedings were referred to a misconduct meeting. Police staff cannot be referred to an accelerated hearing.

2.3 Misconduct level findings

The persons conducting the misconduct proceedings will consider the facts of the case and will decide (on the balance of probabilities) whether the officer’s conduct amounted to gross misconduct, misconduct or no misconduct. This is known as the ‘misconduct level finding’.

Proceedings involving police officers

Of the cases finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023, the misconduct level finding was known for 971 officers referred to misconduct proceedings in England and Wales. Of these, 828 officers (85% in total) were found proven of any form of misconduct (including gross misconduct). For 123 officers (13%) no misconduct was found and for a further 20 officers (2%) the case proceeding was discontinued.

Figure 2.2 shows, in the year ending 31 March 2023, by proceeding type:

• of the 518 police officers referred to a misconduct meeting (where the misconduct finding level was known), misconduct was found proven for 79% (409) of officers
• of the 266 police officers that were referred to a misconduct hearing, gross misconduct was found proven for 78% (207) and misconduct was found proven for 9% (25)
• of the 187 police officers that were referred to an accelerated misconduct hearing, gross misconduct was found proven for 99% (186) of officers and misconduct was found proven for 1% (1) of officers

Figure 2.2: Misconduct level finding for police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table MP3

Notes:

1. An individual may be subject to multiple proceedings on different dates. Where this is the case, the individual will be counted per proceeding.
2. A proceeding may involve multiple allegations against the same person. When a proceeding covers multiple allegations each allegation may receive a different misconduct level finding. Where this is the case the most severe finding has been used.
3. The number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome, each individual has been counted separately.
4. For one police officer referred to a misconduct meeting, the misconduct level finding was unknown. This has been excluded from the figure but is included in the accompanying data tables.

Proceedings involving police staff

In the year ending 31 March 2023:

• of the 84 police staff that were referred to a misconduct meeting (where the misconduct finding level was known), misconduct was found proven in 90% (76) of proceedings
• of the 238 police staff that were referred to a misconduct hearing, gross misconduct was found proven in 84% (200) of proceedings and misconduct was found proven in 12% (29)

2.4 Outcomes

After the misconduct level finding is given the appropriate outcome to be taken is decided.

Proceedings involving police officers

Table 2.1 shows the outcomes of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, by proceedings types (meeting, hearing and accelerated hearing).

Table 2.1: Outcome for police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Outcome	Meeting	Hearing	Accelerated hearing
Would have been dismissed	N/A	98	112
Dismissal	N/A	77	65
Reduction in rank	N/A	1	1
Final written warning	98	37	6
Written warning	269	12	N/A
Learning outcomes	99	2	0
Refer back to appropriate authority	0	0	1
No action	48	24	2
Proceedings discontinued	5	15	0
Total	519	266	187

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table MP4

Notes:

1. An individual may subject to multiple proceedings on different dates. Where this is the case, the individual will be counted per proceeding.
2. A proceeding may involve multiple allegations against the same person. When a proceeding covers multiple allegations each allegation may receive a different outcome. In a small number where this is the case, the most severe outcome has been used.
3. The number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome, each individual has been counted separately.
4. An outcome of ‘would have been dismissed’ can be given when the officer is no longer in service at the time the decision was made, but if the officer had still been in service they would have been dismissed.
5. ‘N/A’ indicates where an outcome is not applicable for the misconduct proceeding type.
6. ‘Learning outcomes’ includes ‘learning from reflection’, ‘reflective practice’ and ‘Reflective Practice Review Process’.

Misconduct meetings

In the year ending 31 March 2023, 519 police officers were referred to a misconduct meeting. The most common outcome at a misconduct meeting for officers was a written warning, which accounted for 52% (269) of meetings. Followed by 19% (99) that resulted in learning outcomes and another 19% (98) that resulted in a final written warning. A further 9% (48) resulted in no action and 1% (5) of misconduct meetings were discontinued, as shown in table 2.1.

Misconduct hearings

In the year ending 31 March 2023, 266 police officers were referred to a misconduct hearing. The most common outcome at a misconduct hearing for officers was ‘would have been dismissed’ if the officer was still in service when the decision was made. This accounted for 37% (98) of outcomes at misconduct hearings, followed by 29% (77) where the officer was dismissed. A further 14% (37) resulted in a final written warning, 9% (24) resulted in no action, 6% (15) were discontinued and 5% (12) resulted in a written warning. A small proportion resulted in learning outcomes (2 or 1%) or a reduction in rank (1 or 0.4%), as shown in table 2.1.

Accelerated misconduct hearings

In the year ending 31 March 2023, 187 police officers were referred to an accelerated misconduct hearing. The most common outcome at an accelerated misconduct hearing for officers was ‘would have been dismissed’, which accounted for 60% (112) of outcomes at accelerated misconduct hearings. A further 35% (65) resulted in dismissal and 3% (6) resulted in a final written warning. A small proportion resulted in no action (2 or 1%), a reduction in rank (1 or 1%) or a referral back to the appropriate authority (1 or 1%) as shown in table 2.1.

Proceedings involving police staff

Table 2.2 shows the outcomes of police staff referred to misconduct proceedings, by proceedings types (meeting and hearing).

Table 2.2: Outcomes at proceedings for allegations involving police staff, in England and Wales, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023

Outcome	Meeting	Hearing
Dismissal	N/A	87
Would have been dismissed	N/A	76
Final written warning	5	49
Final written warning extension	6	2
Written warning	60	8
Verbal warning	4	0
Issue or reinstate verbal warning	2	0
Learning outcomes	3	0
Apply or reinstate stage two warning	0	2
Refer back to appropriate authority	4	2
No action	0	3
Not proven	2	0
Proceedings discontinued	3	7
Dismiss case as unfounded or mitigated	1	2
Total	90	238

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table MP4

Notes:

1. An individual may subject to multiple proceedings on different dates. Where this is the case, the individual will be counted per proceeding.
2. A proceeding may involve multiple allegations against the same person. When a proceeding covers multiple allegations, each allegation may receive a different outcome. In a small number where this is the case, the most severe outcome has been used.
3. The number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome, each individual has been counted separately.
4. An outcome of ‘would have been dismissed’ can be given when the officer is no longer in service at the time the decision was made, but if the officer had still been in service they would have been dismissed.
5. ‘N/A’ indicates where an outcome is not applicable for the misconduct proceeding type.
6. ‘Learning outcomes’ includes ‘learning from reflection’, ‘reflective practice’ and ‘Reflective Practice Review Process’.

Misconduct meetings

In the year ending 31 March 2023, 90 police staff were referred to a misconduct meeting. The most common outcome from a misconduct meeting for staff was a written warning, which accounted for 67% (60) of outcomes from this proceedings type, followed by 7% (6) which resulted in a final written warning extension, and 6% (5) in a final written warning. A further 4% (4) of misconduct meetings resulted in referral back to the appropriate authority, and another 4% (4) in a verbal warning. The remaining 11 misconduct meetings resulted in: learning outcomes (3); were discontinued (3); were not proven (2); an issued or reinstated verbal warning (2); or were dismissed as unfounded or unmitigated (1), as shown in table 2.2.

Misconduct hearings

In the year ending 31 March 2023, 238 police staff were referred to a misconduct hearing. The most common outcome at a misconduct hearing for police staff was dismissal, which accounted for 37% (87) of outcomes at misconduct hearings, followed by 32% (76) which resulted in an outcome of ‘would have been dismissed’. A further 49 misconduct hearings (21%) resulted in a final written warning, 8 (3%) in a written warning and 7 (3%) were discontinued. A small proportion (5%) resulted in other outcomes, as shown in table 2.2.

2.5 Demographics of individuals referred to misconduct proceedings

Information on the protected characteristics of officers and staff referred to misconduct proceedings are given below (where available). Where this information is not available, individuals have been recorded as ‘Not known’. This may include individuals who have not self-declared their protected characteristics on their force Human Resource (HR) system. Gender is known for all individuals referred to misconduct proceedings, ethnicity is not known for 5.5% of individuals and age is not known for 1.6% of individuals. Further information about the quality of protected characteristics data can be found in the ‘Known issues’ section of the accompanying user guide.

Gender

For the purpose of these statistics, we are reporting the data in the format it was recorded on the Centurion system, (which uses a “gender” field). It is possible that the data is based on a mix of gender and sex.

Proceedings involving police officers

In the year ending 31 March 2023, of the police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, the majority (82% in total) were male. This was seen across meetings, hearings and accelerated hearings, with males accounting for 80%, 83% and 87% respectively of officers referred, as shown in figure 2.3. The proportion of officers referred to misconduct proceedings who were male, was higher than the proportion of officers (including special constables) in the police service in England and Wales who were male (66%), as at 31 March 2022^{[footnote 6]}.

Figure 2.3: Gender of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, in England and Wales, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table MP7 and Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales, 31 March 2023: workforce open data tables’

Notes:

1. An individual may subject to multiple proceedings on different dates. Where this is the case, the individual will be counted per proceeding.
2. A proceeding may involve multiple allegations against the same individual.
3. The number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome, each individual has been counted separately.

Proceedings involving police staff

In the year ending 31 March 2023, of police staff referred to misconduct proceedings, the majority (59% in total) were male. This was seen across each of the proceeding types: 63% of the police staff referred to a misconduct meeting were male (57 out of 90) and over half (58%) of the police staff referred to a misconduct hearing were male (138 out of 238). This is higher than the proportion of police staff in the police service in England and Wales who were male (38%), as at 31 March 2022^{[footnote 7]}.

Data on the gender of all identified police officers and police staff involved in police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters can be found in the accompanying data tables.

Self-defined ethnicity

Proceedings involving police officers

Figure 2.4 shows the self-defined ethnicity of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, by proceedings type (meeting, hearing and accelerated hearing).

Of the police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, where the ethnicity was known, the majority (85% in total) identified as white and 15% identified as an ethnic minority (excluding white minorities). This was seen across meetings, hearings and accelerated hearings, with individuals identifying as white accounting for 87%, 83% and 84% respectively of officers referred. The remaining 13%, 17% and 16% respectively of officers referred to meetings, hearings and accelerated hearings identified as ethnic minorities (excluding white minorities), as shown in figure 2.4.

The proportion of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings identifying as belonging to an ethnic minority (excluding white minorities), is greater than the proportion within the police service in England and Wales, with 8% of officers (including special constables) in post, as at 31 March 2022, identifying as ethnic minorities^{[footnote 8]}.

Figure 2.4 Self-defined ethnicity of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, in England and Wales, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table MP6 and Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales, 31 March 2023: ethnicity open data tables’

Notes:

1. An individual may subject to multiple proceedings on different dates. Where this is the case, the individual will be counted per proceeding.
2. A proceeding may involve multiple allegations against the same individual.
3. The number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome, each individual has been counted separately.
4. For a number of police officers (48) their ethnicity was not known. These have been excluded from the chart, but are included in the accompanying data tables.

Proceedings involving police staff

In the year ending 31 March 2023, the majority of police staff referred to misconduct proceedings identified as white (86% in total). This was similar for meetings and hearings, with 85% and 86% respectively of police staff identifying as white and 15% and 14% respectively identifying as ethnic minorities (excluding white minorities). The proportion of police staff referred to misconduct proceedings identifying as ethnic minorities (excluding white minorities), is greater than the proportion of police staff (including designated officers and PCSOs) in the police service in England and Wales who identified as ethnic minorities (8%), as at 31 March 2022^{[footnote 9]}.

A more detailed breakdown of the self-defined ethnicity of all identified police officers and police staff involved in police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters, at the 5+1 level, can be found in the accompanying data tables.

Age

Data on age is calculated as at the date the case was received.

Proceedings involving police officers

Figure 2.5 shows the age of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, by proceeding types (meeting, hearing and accelerated hearing).

In the year ending 31 March 2023, almost a fifth (17% in total) of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings were aged 25 and under (where their age was known), and a further 52% in total were aged between 26 and 40 years. This is greater than the proportion of all police officers (including special constables) employed in England and Wales, as at 31 March 2022 (12% and 46% respectively)^{[footnote 10]}. The age profile of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings (across meetings, hearings and accelerated hearings) is younger to the age profile of all police officers employed in England and Wales. As at 31 March 2022, 12% of police officers (including special constables) were aged 25 years and under, 46% were aged between 26 and 40 years, 40% were aged between 41 and 55 years and 2% were aged 56 and over^{[footnote 11]}.

Of the police officers referred to misconduct meetings, 14% (74) were aged 25 years and under, 52% (269) were aged between 26 and 40 years old, 31% (161) were aged 41 and 55 years, and the remaining 2% (9) were aged 56 and over. Similarly, 17% (45) of police officers referred to misconduct hearings were aged 25 and under, 53% (139) were aged between 26 and 40 years, 28% (73) police officers were aged between 41 and 55 years, and 2% (4) were aged 56 and over.

Police officers referred to accelerated misconduct hearings had the youngest age profile. Almost a quarter (23% or 42) were aged 25 and under, 49% (92) were aged between 26 and 40 years, 26% (48) were aged between 41 and 55 years, and 2% (4) were aged 56 and over.

The age profile of police officers referred to misconduct meetings and misconduct hearings is similar to the age profile of all police officers employed in England and Wales. Whereas, police officers referred to accelerated misconduct hearings had a younger age profile.

Figure 2.5: Age of police officers referred to misconduct proceedings, in England and Wales, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table MP8 and Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales, 31 March 2023: age open data tables’

Notes:

1. An individual may subject to multiple proceedings on different dates. Where this is the case, the individual will be counted per proceeding.
2. A proceeding may involve multiple allegations against the same individual.
3. The number of individuals may not be the same as the number of proceedings that occur, as multiple individuals may attend the same proceeding. As each individual may receive their own misconduct finding level and outcome, each individual has been counted separately.
4. For a number of police officers (12) their age was not known. These have been excluded from the chart but are included in the accompanying data tables.

Proceedings involving police staff

In the year ending 31 March 2023, of police staff referred to misconduct proceedings, 16% were aged 25 and under, double the proportion of police staff aged 25 and under employed in England and Wales (8%)^{[footnote 12]}.

The age profile of police staff referred to misconduct proceedings varied dependent on the proceeding type. A higher proportion of police staff aged 25 years and under were referred to a misconduct hearing (18% or 41) than a misconduct meeting (10% or 9).

Of the police staff referred to a misconduct meeting, 31% (27) were aged between 26 and 40, and 34% (30) were aged between 41 and 55 years. Similar to misconduct meetings, just over a third (35% or 81) of police officers referred to misconduct hearings were aged between 26 and 40 years, and 33% (76) were aged between 41 and 55 years. But a lower proportion of police staff aged 56 and over were referred to a misconduct hearing (15% or 34) than a misconduct meeting (24% or 21).

Police staff referred to misconduct proceedings had a younger age profile in comparison to all police staff employed in England and Wales. As at 31 March 2022, 8% of police staff were aged 25 years and under, 32% were aged between 26 and 40 years, 37% were aged between 41 and 55 years, and 22% were aged 56 and over^{[footnote 13]}.

Data on the age of all identified police officers and police staff involved in police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters can be found in the accompanying data tables.

3. Police Appeals Tribunals (PATs)

3.1 Introduction

This chapter presents data on the number of appeals made by police officers to a Police Appeals Tribunals (PAT), including whether the appeal was upheld and whether the disciplinary action originally imposed was amended. The data includes cases raised under the 2020 regulations only, for cases which came to the force’s attention on or after 1 February 2020, in line with the rest of the bulletin.

All police officers have the right to appeal to a PAT, under Schedule 6 to the Police Act 1996 and the Police Appeals Tribunals Rules 2020, against any disciplinary finding or disciplinary outcome imposed at a hearing or accelerated hearing held under the Conduct Regulations. In addition, senior officers (those above the rank of chief superintendent) may also appeal to the PAT following a misconduct meeting. The data excludes appeals raised under Regulation 45 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. Appeals raised under Regulation 45 concern appeals from officers, other than senior officers, following misconduct meetings.

A police officer may not appeal against any finding where they have accepted the allegation against them. In these circumstances, the officer may only appeal against the outcome or disciplinary action that has been imposed against them. Officers have 10 workings days, from the first working day after the officer was given written notice of the relevant decisions at their misconduct proceeding (such as misconduct level finding and outcome), to appeal. An appeal hearing is not a re-hearing of the original matter. Further guidance about PATs can be found in the user guide accompanying this release and the statutory guidance issued by the Home Office.

3.2 Appeals

Of the 438 officers referred to a misconduct hearing or accelerated hearing (excluding those where the proceeding was discontinued) in cases finalised in the year ending March 2023, in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales, 22 of those officers appealed. Of these, 15 stemmed from a hearing and 7 stemmed from an accelerated hearing.

Of those, 5 appeals were upheld meaning the misconduct level finding and disciplinary action imposed was not fair or reasonable and 8 appeals were not upheld meaning the original misconduct level finding and disciplinary action imposed was fair and reasonable. A further 6 appeals were dismissed; an appeal can be dismissed if the chair considers the appeal has no real prospect of success, unless the chair considers there is some compelling reason why the appeal should proceed. The result is not known for the remaining 3 appeals.

The majority of PATs followed a decision previously made at a misconduct hearing, with 15 relating to a misconduct hearing. A further 7 appeals initiated from an accelerated hearing.

Where the appeal was upheld and the outcome known (4 of 5 appeals), all saw disciplinary action imposed against the individual that was less severe than the original decision of a dismissal, as shown in table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Appeals received to Police Appeals Tribunals involving police officers, which were upheld, cases finalised in the year ending March 2023, in England and Wales

	Original outcome at misconduct proceeding
Outcome after appeal	Dismissal
Dismissal	0
No action	0
Referral back to appropriate authority	2
Written warning	1
Final written warning	1
Not known	1
Total	5

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table PAT2

Notes:

1. Excludes appeals raised under Regulation 45 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. Appeals raised under Regulation 45 concern appeals from officers, other than senior officers, following misconduct meetings.

4. Police complaint, conduct matter, and recordable conduct matter allegations

4.1 Introduction

As outlined in chapter 2, misconduct proceedings are the formal process to hear cases, initiated when it is determined that an officer or member of police staff has a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct. For allegations referred to misconduct proceedings, those proceedings are always held under the Conduct Regulations or associated police staff misconduct procedures, regardless of what legislation the matter was investigated under. This means irrespective of whether the allegation was raised through a public complaint, internal conduct matter or recordable conduct matter, if the allegation is investigated and determined that it should be referred to misconduct proceedings, all those which are referred are handled under the Conduct Regulations.

Not all behaviour which falls short of the standards of professional behaviour engages the discipline system and therefore not all allegations are referred to misconduct proceedings. Other processes, such as the Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP), may be initiated when such behaviour is identified that does not warrant disciplinary action and other processes, such as the Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures (UPP), exist where an individual’s performance is considered unsatisfactory. In addition, in some allegations there may not have been a case to answer for misconduct or the allegation was resolved via others means.

4.2 Definitions

A police complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction with a police force by, or on behalf of, a member of the public. This can cover complaints about policing practice and service issues as well as complaints about the conduct of its officers and staff.

A conduct matter is any matter that, is not and has not, been the subject of a complaint, where there is an indication that the person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner which would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

A recordable conduct matter, is a distinct category (and not a subset of conduct matters or police complaints) where a conduct matter appears to have resulted in the death or serious injury of any person; has had an adverse effect on a member of the public; or, meets any of the criteria set out in regulation 7 of the Complaints Regulations. This includes serious assaults, sexual offences and corruption.

4.3 Number of allegations

Police complaints

A total of 51,605 police complaints, against 42,854 identifiable police officers, were finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023, in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales. These complaints involved 120,243 allegations. This equates to an average of 2.3 allegations per complaint.

There were also 8,201 police complaints, involving 5,974 identifiable police staff, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023. These complaints involved 11,970 allegations. This equates to an average of 1.5 allegations per complaint.

When a police complaint is first made, a decision on whether to record and handle the complaint under Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002 is taken by the appropriate authority. Some complaints may be resolved quickly and to the satisfaction of the complainant, without being recorded under Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002. Handling a complaint outside the requirements of Schedule 3 provides an opportunity to address promptly the concerns a complainant has raised, as some complaints do not require detailed enquiries in order to address them. Certain complaints must be recorded and handled in accordance with Schedule 3, such as, if there is an allegation that:

• the conduct or other matter complained of resulted in death or serious injury
• if proved, might constitute a criminal offence by a person serving with the police
• if proved, might justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings
• if proved, might have involved the infringement of a person’s rights under Articles 2 or 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights
• meets any of the mandatory referral criteria set out in the IOPC’s statutory guidance for police complaints

Of the 120,243 police complaint allegations involving 42,854 identifiable police officers finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023, 72% (86,160 allegations) were handled under Schedule 3. Of the 11,970 police complaint allegations against 5,974 identifiable police staff, 7,664 were handled under Schedule 3. A number of forces do not use Centurion to record complaints handled outside of Schedule 3, instead opting to use their own local system. These numbers are likely an undercount of the full extent of complaints handled outside of Schedule 3. The remainder of the complaints data in this chapter will focus on allegations handled under Schedule 3 only. There were 34,083 police complaint allegations involving officers, and 4,306 police complaint allegations involving staff handled outside of Schedule 3 and recorded on Centurion.

Investigations will be subject to Special Procedures if there is an indication that an individual may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings. When an investigation is not subject to Special Procedures, or an allegation is handled without investigation, the complaint handler determines whether the service provided was acceptable or not acceptable.

Of the 86,160 allegations within police complaints against police officers handled under Schedule 3, the majority (98% or 84,511 allegations) were judged not to require investigation or, if they were investigated, were not subject to Special Procedures, 1,646 allegations (2%) were investigated subject to Special Procedures, and for 3 allegations it was not known whether the allegation was investigated subject to Special Procedures.

Of the 7,664 police complaint allegations against police staff handled under Schedule 3, the majority (99% or 7,579 allegations) were judged not to require investigation or, if they were investigated, were not subject to Special Procedures, 84 allegations (1%) were investigated subject to Special Procedures, and for 1 allegation it was not known whether the allegation was investigated subject to Special Procedures.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) collects and publishes data on all complaints against the police in England and Wales. The latest IOPC statistical report, covering the year ending 31 March 2023, was published in October 2023. The IOPC statistics are considered a more reliable data source for the total volume of police complaints, as they capture complaints handled both outside of, and under, Schedule 3. Further information about the quality and limitations of the Home Office data, and signposting to other data sources, can be found in the accompanying user guide.

Conduct matters

A total of 2,773 conduct matter cases, involving 3,188 identifiable police officers, were finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales. These conduct matters involved 5,363 allegations. This equates to an average of 1.9 allegations per conduct matter.

There were also 823 conduct matter cases, against 845 identifiable police staff, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023. These conduct matters involved 1,487 allegations. This equates to an average of 1.8 allegations per conduct matter.

Recordable conduct matters

A total of 1,169 recordable conduct matter cases, involving 1,316 identifiable police officers, were finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales. These recordable conduct matters involved 2,402 allegations. This equates to an average of 2.1 allegations per recordable conduct matter.

There were also 362 recordable conduct matter cases, against 367 identifiable police staff, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023. These recordable conduct matter cases involved 626 allegations. This equates to an average of 1.7 allegations per recordable conduct matter.

4.4 Allegations by IOPC allegation type

When a police complaint, conduct matter or recordable conduct matter occurs, IOPC allegation categories are used to capture the nature of the conduct which occurred. Appendix A of the IOPC’s guidance on capturing data about police complaints contains a full description of the categories and sub-categories that make up the framework.

Figure 4.1 shows the allegation type following complaint allegations against police officers, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales.

“Delivery of duties and service” accounted for 41% (35,380 allegations) of complaint allegations involving police officers, as shown in figure 4.1. Within this category, complaints about “police action following contact” and “general level of service” were the largest subcategories, making up 17% and 14% of complaint allegations respectively. Sub-category data is available in the accompanying data tables.

The second most frequent IOPC allegation type category was “police powers, policies and procedures”, accounting for 32% (27,275 allegations) of complaints finalised. Within this category, complaints about “use of force” were the largest sub-category, making up 13% (10,817 allegations) of all complaint allegations finalised.

Figure 4.1: Police complaint allegations handled under Schedule 3 involving police officers, by IOPC allegation type, in England and Wales, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table PC3

Notes:

1. Appendix A of the IOPC’s guidance on capturing data about police complaints contains a full description of allegation categories.
2. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different allegation type.

For allegations involving police staff, the majority (50% or 3,866 allegations) of complaint allegations, were for “delivery of duties and service”, 17% (1,304 allegations) of complaints were regarding “individual behaviours” and a further 17% (1,298 allegations) were about “police powers, policies and procedures”. Data for police staff is available in the accompanying data tables.

Conduct matters

Figure 4.2 shows the allegation type in conduct matter allegations against police officers, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales.

For conduct matter allegations involving police officers, “discreditable conduct” accounted for the largest proportion, comprising 34% (1,829 allegations) of allegations, as shown in figure 4.2. This was followed by allegations regarding “individual behaviours”, 15% (806 allegations) of conduct matter allegations.

Figure 4.2: Conduct matter allegations involving police officers, by IOPC allegation type, in England and Wales, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table CM2

Notes:

1. Appendix A of the IOPC’s guidance on capturing data about police complaints contains a full description of allegation categories.
2. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different allegation type.
3. For a small number of individuals (1 police officer) the allegation type was unknown. They have been excluded from the chart, but are included in the accompanying data tables.

Allegation types for police staff were similar to police officers, with “discreditable conduct” being the largest category, accounting for 38% (561 allegations), followed by “access or disclosure of information” (15% or 226 allegations). Data for police staff is available in the accompanying data tables.

Recordable conduct matters

Figure 4.3 shows the allegation type in recordable conduct matter allegations against police officers, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales.

For recordable conduct matter allegations involving police officers, “discreditable conduct” was the most common allegation type, at 34% (820 allegations), as shown in figure 4.3. The second largest category was “police powers, policies and procedures”, accounting for 13% (316 allegations) of all recordable conduct matter allegations finalised.

Figure 4.3: Recordable conduct matter allegations involving police officers, by IOPC allegation type, England and Wales, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table RC2

Notes:

1. Appendix A of the IOPC’s guidance on capturing data about police complaints contains a full description of allegation categories.
2. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different allegation type.
3. For a small number of individuals (1 police officer) the allegation type was unknown. They have been excluded from the chart, but are included in the accompanying data tables.

For allegations involving police staff, “discreditable conduct” was the largest category accounting for 38% (240 allegations) of recordable conduct matter allegations. The second largest category was “access or disclosure of information”, 18% (111) of allegations). Data for police staff is available in the accompanying data tables.

4.5 Allegations by standards of professional behaviour breach type

In carrying out their duties, police officers are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional behaviour, as set out in Schedule 2 of the Conduct Regulations. Allegations can also be grouped based on the standard of professional behaviour which they breach.

Conduct matters

For allegations involving police officers, “discreditable conduct” made up the largest category, accounting for 26% (1,378) of allegations finalised, followed by “duties and responsibilities”, 20% (1,058) of allegations finalised, as shown in table 4.1.

The most common breach type for conduct matter allegations involving police staff was “discreditable conduct”, at 31% (or 448 allegations), followed by “authority, respect and courtesy” which accounted for 17% (247 allegations) of all conduct matter allegations.

Table 4.1: Conduct matter allegations, by worker type and standard of professional behaviour breach type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Standard of professional behaviour breach type	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
Discreditable Conduct	1,378	26.4	448	31.3
Duties and Responsibilities	1,058	20.2	183	12.8
Authority, Respect and Courtesy	909	17.4	247	17.3
Honesty and Integrity	513	9.8	179	12.5
Orders and Instructions	450	8.6	99	6.9
Confidentiality	381	7.3	161	11.3
Use of Force	228	4.4	10	0.7
Equality and Diversity	157	3.0	60	4.2
Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct	101	1.9	23	1.6
Fitness for Duty	51	1.0	20	1.4
Total	5,226	100.0	1,430	100.0
Unknown	137	-	57	-

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table CM3

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. An allegation is counted once per individual, as each allegation can have a different breach type.
2. A small number of allegations did not have a breach type; these have been included in ‘unknown’ and excluded from the proportions.

Recordable conduct matters

For recordable conduct matter allegations involving police officers, “discreditable conduct” was the most common breach type, accounting for 38% (908) of allegations finalised. This was followed by allegations regarding “duties and responsibilities”, which accounted for 15% (362) of allegations, as shown in table 4.2.

For police staff, “discreditable conduct” was the largest category, accounting for 34% (209) of all recordable conduct matter allegations finalised, followed by “honesty and integrity” (14% or 86 allegations).

Table 4.2: Recordable conduct matter allegations, by worker type and standard of professional behaviour breach type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Standard of professional behaviour breach type	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
Discreditable Conduct	908	38.0	209	34.0
Duties and Responsibilities	362	15.2	67	10.9
Authority, Respect and Courtesy	285	11.9	82	13.4
Honesty and Integrity	238	10.0	86	14.0
Equality and Diversity	139	5.8	34	5.5
Orders and Instructions	137	5.7	39	6.4
Use of Force	132	5.5	3	0.5
Confidentiality	121	5.1	80	13.0
Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct	58	2.4	8	1.3
Fitness for Duty	7	0.3	6	1.0
Total	2,387	100.0	614	100.0
Unknown	15	-	12	-

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table RC3

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. An allegation is counted once per individual, as each allegation can have a different breach type.
2. A small number of allegations did not have a breach type; these have been included in ‘unknown’ and excluded from the proportions.

4.6 Case to answer decision

For each allegation it is determined whether there is a case to answer. A case to answer decision determines whether there is sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable misconduct meeting or hearing panel could make a finding of misconduct or gross misconduct, on the balance of probabilities.

Police complaints subject to Special Procedures

For police complaint allegations, a decision on whether there is a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct can only be reached if the police complaint allegation was investigated subject to Special Procedures.

Table 4.3 shows that of the complaint allegations involving police officers, which were investigated subject to Special Procedures, 25% were found to have a case to answer (418 out of 1,646). In 73% of complaint allegations involving police officers, there was no case to answer.

Of the police complaint allegations involving police staff, which were investigated subject to Special Procedures, 50% were found to have a case to answer, and for 46% of allegations there was no case to answer. A small number (3) were withdrawn.

Table 4.3: Results following police complaint allegations, handled under Schedule 3, which were investigated subject to Special Procedures, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Result following a police complaint allegation, handled under Schedule 3, investigated subject to Special Procedures	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
No case to answer	1,195	72.6	39	46.4
Case to answer	418	25.4	42	50.0
Withdrawn	27	1.6	3	3.6
Regulation 41 (investigation only)	6	0.4	0	0.0
Total	1,646	100.0	84	100.0

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table PC5a

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different result.
2. Where there is an indication that an individual has committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary procedures, an allegation is investigated subject to Special Procedures to determine whether there is a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct.
3. ‘Regulation 41’ applies where an investigation has previously been suspended to avoid prejudice of any criminal case, and, upon resuming investigation, the complainant either fails to indicate that they want to resume investigation, or they no longer wish to pursue their complaint.

Police complaints not subject to Special Procedures

Table 4.4 shows that of the complaint allegations involving police officers, which were judged not to require investigation, or if they were investigated, they were not subject to Special Procedures, the service provided was determined to be acceptable in the majority (73%) of allegations (61,291 out of 84,499). In a further 12% of allegations the service provided was determined to be not acceptable.

For complaint allegations involving police staff, which were judged not to require investigation, or, if they were investigated, were not subject to Special Procedures, the service provided was determined to be acceptable in almost two-thirds (63%) of allegations. In a further 19% of allegations the service provided was determined to be not acceptable. The proportion of allegations where the service provided was determined to be not acceptable is greater amongst police staff than police officers (19% and 12% respectively).

Table 4.4: Results following police complaint allegations, handled under Schedule 3, which were judged not to require investigation, or, if they were investigated, were not subject to Special Procedures, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Result following a police complaint allegation, handled under Schedule 3, not investigated, or investigated not subject to Special Procedures	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
The service provided was acceptable	61,291	72.5	4,799	63.3
The service provided was not acceptable	10,367	12.3	1,432	18.9
Not determined if the service was acceptable	4,879	5.8	499	6.6
No further action required	4,818	5.7	597	7.9
Regulation 41 (investigation only)	264	0.3	10	0.1
Local resolution	24	0.0	0	-
Withdrawn	2,856	3.4	241	3.2
Total	84,499	100.0	7,578	100.0
Unknown	12	-	1	-

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table PC5b

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different result.
2. Where there is an indication that an individual has committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary procedures, an allegation is investigated subject to Special Procedures to determine whether there is a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct. In all other cases the complaint handler determines whether the service provided was “acceptable” or “not acceptable”.
3. ‘Regulation 41’ applies where an investigation has previously been suspended to avoid prejudice of any criminal case, and upon resuming investigations the complainant either fails to indicate that they want to resume investigation, or they no longer wish to pursue their complaint.
4. A small number of allegations did not have an allegation result; these have been included in ‘unknown’ and excluded from the proportions.

Conduct matters

Figure 4.4 shows whether there was a case to answer for conduct matter allegations raised against police officers and police staff. Of the 5,361 conduct matter allegations raised against police officers (where the case to answer decision was known), 3,613 (67%) did not have a case to answer, in 1,645 (31%) there was a case to answer, and in 103 (2%) the allegation was discontinued.

For 812 (55%) conduct matter allegations against police staff, there was no case to answer, in 606 (41%) there was a case to answer, and in 69 (5%) the allegation was discontinued.

Figure 4.4: Case to answer decision in conduct matter allegations, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table CM4

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different result.
2. For a small number of allegations involving police officers (2), the case to answer decision was not known. These have been excluded from the chart, but are included in the accompanying data tables.

Recordable conduct matters

Of the 2,402 recordable conduct matter allegations raised against police officers, there was no case to answer for 1,487 (62%) of allegations, in 851 (35%) there was a case to answer, and in 64 (3%) the allegation was discontinued.

For recordable conduct matters against police staff, in 296 (47%) there was no case to answer, in 301 (48%) there was a case to answer, and in 29 (5%) the allegation was discontinued.

Figure 4.5: Case to answer decision in recordable conduct matter allegations, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table RC4

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different result.

4.7 Action taken

Police complaints subject to Special Procedures

Table 4.5 shows the action taken following police complaints, against police officers and police staff, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales, that were handled under Schedule 3 and investigated subject to Special Procedures.

Of the 1,645 allegations against police officers, that were handled under Schedule 3 and investigated subject to Special Procedures, where the action taken was known, 299 (18%) were referred to misconduct proceedings; how those allegations progressed are outlined in chapter 2.

Not all behaviour which falls short of the standards of professional behaviour engages the discipline system and therefore not all allegations are referred to misconduct proceedings. Other processes, such as the Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP), may be initiated when such behaviour is identified that does not warrant disciplinary action and other processes, such as the Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures (UPP), exist where an individual’s performance is considered unsatisfactory.

Of the allegations against police officers, that were handled under Schedule 3 and investigated subject to Special Procedures, a further 285 (17%) were referred to learning outcomes (including RPRP and learning from reflection) and 5 (0.3%) were taken to Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures (UPP). In addition, no action was required in 1,056 (64%) allegations.

For allegations raised against police staff handled under Schedule 3 and investigated subject to Special Procedures, 38 (45%) were referred to proceedings; how those allegations progressed are outlined in chapter 2. A further 39 (46%) required no action, 5 (6%) were referred to learning outcomes (including RPRP and learning from reflection) and 2 (2%) were taken to UPP.

Table 4.5: Action taken in police complaint allegations, handled under Schedule 3 and investigated subject to Special Procedures, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Action taken in police complaint allegations, handled under Schedule 3, investigated subject to Special Procedures	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
Learning outcomes	285	17.3	5	6.0
Referral to proceedings	299	18.2	38	45.2
No action required	1,056	64.2	39	46.4
Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures	5	0.3	2	2.4
Total	1,645	100.0	84	100.0
Unknown	1	-	-	-

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table PC6a

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different result.
2. ‘Learning outcomes’ includes ‘learning from reflection’, ‘reflective practice’ and ‘Reflective Practice Review Process’.
3. A small number of allegations did not have an allegation action; these have been included in ‘unknown’ and excluded from the proportions.

Police complaints not subject to Special Procedures

Table 4.6 shows the action taken following police complaints, against police officers and police staff, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales, that were handed under Schedule 3 and not investigated subject to Special Procedures.

Of the allegations against police officers that were handled under Schedule 3 that were judged not to require investigation, or, if they were investigated, were not subject to Special Procedures, 74,621 (89%) required no further action. In addition, 9,595 (11%) were referred to learning outcomes (including RPRP and learning from reflection), a further 30 were taken to UPP, and another 5 resulted in ‘other outcomes’ (including informal management action and advice).

Investigations will be subject to Special Procedures if there is an indication that an individual may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings. Allegations are not investigated subject to Special Procedures when they do not meet these criteria (meaning there is no indication that a criminal offence has been committed or that the bringing of disciplinary proceedings is justified). These allegations therefore cannot result in referral to misconduct proceedings.

For allegations against police staff, 6,433 (85%) required no action. A further 1,109 (15%) were referred to learning outcomes (including RPRP and learning from reflection) and another 3 allegations were taken to UPP.

Table 4.6: Action taken following a police complaint allegation, handled under Schedule 3 and judged not to require investigation, or, if they were investigated, were not subject to Special Procedures, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Action taken following police complaint allegations, handled under Schedule 3, not investigated or investigated not subject to Special Procedures	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
Learning outcomes	9,595	11.4	1,109	14.7
No action required	74,621	88.6	6,433	85.3
Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures	30	0.0	3	0.0
Other	5	0.0	-	-
Total	84,251	100.0	7,545	100.0
Unknown	260	-	34	-

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table PC6b

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data as each allegation can have a different result.
2. ‘Learning outcomes’ includes ‘learning from reflection’, ‘reflective practice’ and ‘Reflective Practice Review Process’.
3. ‘Other’ includes any action not listed, such as, ‘informal action by line manager’. ‘Informal action by line manger’ is not a legislative action under the 2020 regulations, however was an option on Centurion. This option has since been removed from Centurion.
4. A small number of allegations did not have an allegation action; these have been included in ‘unknown’ and excluded from the proportions.

Conduct matters

Table 4.7 shows the action taken following conduct matter allegations against police officers and police staff, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales.

Of the allegations against police officers 1,032 (19%) were referred to misconduct proceedings; how those allegations progressed are outlined in chapter 2. A further 2,479 (46%) were referred to learning outcomes (including RPRP and learning from reflection) and 63 (1%) were taken to UPP. No action was required in 1,788 (33%) allegations.

Of the allegations involving police staff, 454 (31%) were referred to misconduct proceedings. A further 584 (39%) required no action, 434 (29%) were referred to learning outcomes, and the remaining 15 (1%) were taken to UPP.

Table 4.7: Action taken following conduct matter allegations, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Action taken following conduct matter allegations	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
Learning outcomes	2,479	46.2	434	29.2
Referral to proceedings	1,032	19.2	454	30.5
No action required	1,788	33.3	584	39.3
Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures	63	1.2	15	1.0
Total	5,362	100.0	1,487	100.0
Unknown	1	-	-	-

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table CM5

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different result.
2. ‘Learning outcomes’ includes ‘learning from reflection’, ‘reflective practice’ and ‘Reflective Practice Review Process’.
3. A small number of allegations did not have an allegation action; these have been included in ‘unknown’ and excluded from the proportions.

Recordable conduct matters

Table 4.8 shows the action taken following recordable conduct matter allegations against police officers and police staff, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023 in the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales.

Of the allegations against police officers, 670 (28%) were referred to misconduct proceedings; how these allegations progressed are outlined in chapter 2. A further 581 (24%) were referred to learning outcomes (including RPRP and learning from reflection) and 9 were taken to UPP. No action was required in 1,138 (47%) allegations.

Of the allegations involving police staff, 248 (40%) were referred to misconduct proceedings. A further 224 (36%) allegations required no action, 150 (24%) allegations were referred to learning outcomes, and the remaining 4 (1%) of allegations were taken to UPP.

Table 4.8: Action taken following recordable conduct matter allegations, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Action taken following recordable conduct matter allegations	Allegations involving police officers	Proportion (%)	Allegations involving police staff	Proportion (%)
Learning outcomes	581	24.2	150	24.0
Referral to proceedings	670	27.9	248	39.6
No action required	1,138	47.5	224	35.8
Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures	9	0.4	4	0.6
Total	2,398	100.0	626	100.0
Unknown	4	-	-	-

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table RC5

Notes:

1. An allegation can be raised against multiple people. Each allegation against an individual is counted in the data, as each allegation can have a different result.
2. ‘Learning outcomes’ includes ‘learning from reflection’, ‘reflective practice’ and ‘Reflective Practice Review Process’.
3. A small number of allegations did not have an allegation action; these have been included in ‘unknown’ and excluded from the proportions.

5. Timeliness

5.1 Introduction

Timeliness measures only cover the timeliness of cases finalised under the current regulations and, as such, do not include cases received before February 2020, in line with the rest of this bulletin. Therefore, timeliness measures may underestimate the average time taken to finalise a case, as cases finalised under the old regulations are not included.

Timeliness measures are calculated by comparing the date a case was received, with the case finalisation date. In a small number of cases, the received date was not recorded. Furthermore, timeliness measures cover all calendar days and do not take into account non-working days, such as, weekends and public holidays.

For further information about the quality and limitations of the data can be found in the accompanying user guide.

5.2 Conduct matters

It took on average (median) 129 days to finalise conduct matter cases, involving police officers in the year ending 31 March 2023. The median days to finalise conduct matters ranged from 4 days in West Yorkshire (230 conduct matters were finalised by West Yorkshire), to 332 days in Lincolnshire (14 conduct matters were finalised by Lincolnshire). Data by Police Force Area for both police officers and police staff can be found in the accompanying data tables.

Table 5.1 shows the majority (84%) of conduct matter cases finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023, involving police officers, took under 12 months to finalise.

Table 5.1: Timeliness to finalise conduct matter cases involving police officers, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Timeliness to finalise case	Number of cases	Proportion (%)
Less than 3 months	1,140	41.2
3 months to less than 6 months	554	20.0
6 months to less than 9 months	379	13.7
9 months to less than 12 months	244	8.8
12 months to less than 18 months	281	10.1
18 months to less than 24 months	113	4.1
24 months or more	59	2.1
Total cases finalised	2,770	100.0

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table CM7

Notes:

1. A case may include multiple distinct allegations and involve multiple individuals. Where a case involves both worker types, an officer(s) and staff member(s), it will be counted once under each worker type.
2. In a small number of cases (3), the date which the case was received was not recorded. These have been excluded from the timeliness analysis.

5.3 Recordable conduct matters

It took on average (median) 253 days to finalise recordable conduct matter cases, involving police officers, in the year ending 31 March 2023. The median days to finalise recordable conduct matters ranged from 34 days in Durham (where only 1 recordable conduct matter was finalised by Durham), to 656 days in Warwickshire (where only 1 recordable conduct matter was finalised by Warwickshire). Data by Police Force Area for both police officers and police staff can be found in the accompanying data tables.

Table 5.2 shows the majority (64%) of recordable conduct matter cases, involving police officers, finalised in the year ending 31 March 2023, took under 12 months to finalise.

Table 5.2: Timeliness to finalise recordable conduct matter cases involving police officers, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Timeliness to finalise case	Number of cases	Proportion (%)
Less than 3 months	232	19.8
3 months to less than 6 months	202	17.3
6 months to less than 9 months	186	15.9
9 months to less than 12 months	134	11.5
12 months to less than 18 months	203	17.4
18 months to less than 24 months	133	11.4
24 months or more	79	6.8
Total cases finalised	1,169	100.0

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table RC7

Notes:

1. A case may include multiple distinct allegations and involve multiple individuals. Where a case involves both worker types, an officer(s) and staff member(s), it will be counted once under each worker type.

6. Criminal proceedings

6.1 Introduction

Criminal proceedings are distinct from misconduct proceedings, as there are different tests and thresholds applied. For example, while a criminal conviction relies on a burden of proof beyond all reasonable doubt, misconduct proceedings are in line with civil proceedings and rely on the balance of probabilities. This means that for criminal cases which do not result in conviction or are unsuitable for criminal prosecution, the individual can still be subject to misconduct proceedings and potentially be dismissed. In addition, where cases do result in criminal conviction, the individual can also be subject to misconduct proceedings.

The Home Office collects data on the number of police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters, that were finalised in the financial year on Centurion, which involved criminal proceedings. Criminal proceedings against police officers and staff could arise which do not stem from a complaint, conduct matter or recordable conduct matter; these will not be captured in the data.

In line with the rest of this bulletin, these statistics include cases raised under the 2020 regulations only, for cases which came to the force’s attention on or after 1 February 2020. As such, the numbers presented are likely an undercount of cases finalised which involved criminal proceedings. The scale of cases currently ongoing (which means not finalised) under the old regulations is unknown and not captured in these statistics. We anticipate that the number of remaining cases raised under the old regulations, yet to be finalised, should reduce each year. Although, any case raised under the old regulations which is going ongoing may be complex.

Users should be mindful these statistics do not present a complete picture of all criminal proceedings, as they do not include cases which came to the forces’ attention prior to February 2020, or criminal proceedings which do not stem from a complaint, conduct matter or recordable conduct matter.

6.2 Criminal proceedings

In the year ending 31 March 2023, there were 160 criminal proceedings related to police officers and 51 related to police staff.

Of the criminal proceedings involving officers (where the verdict is known^{[footnote 14]}), 115 (77%) resulted in the officer being found (or pleading) guilty and 19 (13%) resulted in a not guilty verdict. In a further 10 (7%), proceedings were discontinued and 6 (4%) resulted in no evidence offered.

Of the criminal proceedings involving staff, 43 (84%) resulted in the individual being found (or pleading) guilty and 4 (8%) resulted in a not guilty verdict. In a further 3 (6%), proceedings were discontinued and in 1 case (2%) it resulted in no evidence offered.

Figure 6.1: Outcomes at criminal proceedings, by worker type, cases finalised year ending 31 March 2023, England and Wales

Source: Home Office, ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2023: data tables’; table CR1

Notes:

1. Criminal proceedings against police officers and staff could arise, which do not stem from a complaint, conduct matter or recordable conduct matter; these may not be captured in this data.
2. For a small number of individuals (10 police officers), the outcome was not known. These have been excluded from the chart, but are included in the accompanying data tables.

1. The Code of Practice for Statistics describes ‘Official Statistics in Development’, as official statistics that are undergoing a development. They may be new or existing statistics, and will be tested with users, in line with the standards of trustworthiness, quality, and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics. ↩

2. These statistics were formerly known as experimental statistics, however the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) introduced new terminology in September 2023. More information can be found in the OSR’s guidance on producing official statistics in development. ↩

3. The term ‘police officer’ throughout this report includes special constables. ↩

4. Source: Home Office, ‘Police Workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

5. Source: Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

6. Data on the sex of police offices from the ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series was used to make this comparison. ↩

7. Data on the sex of police staff from the ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series was used to make this comparison. ↩

8. Source: Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

9. Source: Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

10. Source: Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

11. Source: Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

12. Source: Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

13. Source: Home Office, ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical series. ↩

14. In 10 cases the verdict was not known at the time of data collection. ↩