Police dismissals figures made publicly available as part of our commitment to transparency
Latest barred list data released
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We've published the latest annual figures for officers placed on the barred list following a conduct hearing between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. The number of regular police officers (excluding members of the Special Constabulary) placed on the list was 735, compared with 593 the previous year.
The latest annual figures, which cover the 43 Home Office police forces in England and Wales, show a concerted effort by police forces to take firmer action against unacceptable conduct.
The barred list is used by police forces in England & Wales, as well as several public bodies, to ensure that officers who are dismissed under police conduct or performance regulations cannot work in policing again. This includes individuals who decide to retire or resign during an investigation. It aims to promote greater transparency in the way that police forces deal with and address misconduct in their ranks.
While the majority of officers dismissed were police constables (640), the barred list applies to all ranks, including one chief officer and two chief superintendents, added this year. Thirty-one officers from the Special Constabulary were also dismissed and added to the list.
There are 1,149 reasons recorded for the dismissals, which are outlined in the figures, with several officers having committed several breaches. The highest of these show:
- 126 instances of dishonesty
- 95 instances of discriminatory behaviour
- 82 instances of unlawful access of disclosure of information
- 81 instances of inappropriate communication
- 72 instances of sexual offences or misconduct
These figures show a determined and robust effort from police forces to rid policing of officers whose behaviour falls below the high standards that we, and the public, expect from them.
It goes without saying that any time an officer’s behaviour breaches professional standards, or even strays into criminality, it leaves a permanent stain on the reputation of policing. But the public can have confidence that their police forces are quickly identifying and dealing with unacceptable behaviour from officers and staff, who, through being on the barred list, will never work in policing again.
The message is clear: our policing system is built on upholding our Code of Ethics, on courage, respect and empathy, and public service, and there is no place in our police service for anyone whose behaviour goes against these values.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Harding, Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing
Previous figures
Between its introduction on 15 December 2017 and the end of this reporting period on 31 March 2025, a total of 2,834 officers have been added to the barred list.
