Protracted police misconduct investigations a 'drain on the public purse'

18 November 2024

West Mercia Police Federation chair Steve Butler says lengthy police misconduct investigations are a waste of public money.

Steve said that protracted investigations also undermine the confidence of officers and the public in the process.

Steve was speaking after the formal dismissal last week of former student officer Joseph Mudd.

Mudd, 21, admitted perverting the course of justice in March 2023 and resigned from the Force.

Branch chair Steve Butler.

His conviction came after he received a speeding ticket in April 2022 when he was 19 and falsely claimed a family member was driving in order for them to take the points on their licence.

At Worcester Crown Court he was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay a £170 surcharge and complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

On Friday, more than 18 months after his conviction, Mudd was formally dismissed at a misconduct hearing and added to the College of Policing Barred List.

Chief Constable

Steve said: “I fully support the Force and the Chief Constable in the final outcome of this case.

“Honesty and integrity are non-negotiable for police officers, and we need to ensure the standards of professionalism are upheld. On this occasion the public can be assured they are.

“However, I can’t condone the staggering waste of public money that comes with protracted misconduct investigations.

“This case, for example. It’s been two years and four months since his first admission and 18 months since he was dealt with at court and resigned.

“Surely this investigation could have been dealt with in a much more timely manner.

“Why has it taken so long for the investigation to be completed? It hardly inspires confidence in the process.”

Research by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) in 2021 estimated an investigation lasting up to six months costs £15,101 per officer which climbs to £302,012 when it drags on for five years or more.

PFEW said that investigations into suspended officers only saw the costs rise considerably higher.

Investigation

A six to 12-month investigation costs approximately £67,968 but increases to £453,115 per officer after five years. This is due to the force having to fully replace them until proceedings conclude with other officers backfilling and working extra hours to plug the gaps, PFEW said.

Steve recently highlighted the continued impact of a lengthy investigation on PC Abbie Myers, who was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving in March. She continues to wait to hear if she will face an IOPC hearing.

Steve said: “Our CAPLO Lesley Williams and I have been raising the issue of the timeliness, inefficiency, and procedural unfairness of misconduct investigations and will continue to do so.

“The Federation fully supports and promotes upholding the standards of professional behaviour as being key to regaining public trust and confidence.

“But that trust and confidence comes from reassurance in the process.

“We’ve seen time and time again delays and inefficiencies drag the process out, undermine the trust and confidence of officers and the public.

“It’s a drain on the public purse and impacts the lives and wellbeing of officers, who are effectively put on hold.

“It needs urgently addressing.”