Staff faced 170 allegations of misconduct over a year

Staff at Kent Police faced a total of 170 allegations of misconduct over a one-year period, it’s been revealed.

Between April 2014 and March this year, there were claims of discreditable conduct and breaches in duties, responsibilities, honesty, integrity, authority, respect and courtesy.

Police staff including sergeants, constables, inspectors and community support officers (PCSOs) were among employees who faced proceedings, with many answering to more than one allegation.

In total, there were 30 allegations made against officers for breaching honesty and integrity.

Four of these were constables who were dismissed as a result of the hearing and one was at inspector level or above.

Two other constables were accused of failing to act with honesty and integrity, with one resigning before the misconduct charge came about and the other resigned during the investigation.

Since then, the Home Office has brought in regulations which say those involved in disciplinary proceedings should be held accountable and are no longer able to resign during the investigation.

Government guidelines also say officers should act with selfcontrol and tolerance, treating members of the public and col- leagues with respect and courtesy.

But officers in Kent were alleged to have breached this responsibility on 14 occasions. Four officers were dismissed as a result, with one other being given a final warning.

Out of the 40 alleged cases of discreditable conduct – brought against any officer who “undermines public confidence” and harms the Force’s reputation – four officers resigned during the investigation, three resigned before the misconduct charge and one retired during the investigation.

There were also 22 reported cases of officers neglecting their duties and responsibilities.

Two of the officers were dismissed, and four were given written warnings.

As well as disciplinary proceedings, the public can now access documents of criminal cases against officers.

In the last year two officers were accused of common assault, but no action was taken.

Two officers were also caught speeding and as a result, fined and given penalty points – but they still serve with the police.

A special constable had a case to answer for grievous bodily harm and common assault, but resigned before the hearing.