The UK has dismissed nearly 600 police officers across England and Wales in the year leading to March 2024, according to newly released data.
This increase, a sharp rise from the previous year’s 394 dismissals, reflects a renewed focus on accountability within police forces following a series of high-profile scandals.
Among those removed from duty were 74 officers involved in sexual misconduct and 18 found with indecent images of minors.
The College of Policing reported that dishonesty topped the reasons for dismissal, with 125 cases, followed by instances of discriminatory behaviour.
This wave of sackings comes amid efforts to restore public trust after severe breaches in conduct, including the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer and other cases of sexual violence by police personnel.
