College of Policing bars 757 officers from service
The 757 dismissals mark the highest annual total since the public list began in 2017, with dishonesty and discriminatory behavior cited as the primary causes.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Seven hundred and fifty-seven police officers have been removed from their positions and barred from future service in England and Wales. The College of Policing released these figures on November 7, 2026. The list covers the last year and includes officers who resigned or retired while under investigation.
This number exceeds the total for any single year since the barred list launched in December 2017. The annual average for the four years prior to this period was less than half of the current total. In total, 3,591 regular officers have been added to the list since its inception.
Police constables made up the largest group on the list, with 641 individuals. Senior ranks were also represented. Five superintendents and four chief superintendents were barred from returning to any force.
The Metropolitan Police employed the most dismissed officers, totaling 195. Greater Manchester Police followed with 46. West Midlands Police accounted for 38, West Yorkshire Police for 29, and Essex Police for 28.
Dishonesty was the most frequently cited reason for dismissal, appearing in 142 cases. Discriminatory behavior was recorded 110 times. Unlawful access or disclosure of information appeared in 101 cases. Sexual offences or misconduct were cited in 87 cases. Offences involving abuse of powers or disregard for procedures appeared 72 times.
Specific allegations included sexual assault in 24 cases and sexual or inappropriate touching in 29 cases. Officers abusing their position for sexual purposes were cited in 46 instances. Inappropriate communications were recorded 53 times. Drink driving appeared in 30 cases. Stalking was cited eight times, while rape was cited five times and child sex offences were cited six times.
Arman Mathieson, Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing, stated that policing is built on trust. He said the figures show the organization will not hesitate to act when that trust is broken. The public list is searchable by name, force, rank, number, date, and reason for dismissal.
