Reform Gives UK Police Chiefs More Power to Sack Wrongdoing Officers

Police chiefs in the UK will be granted more power to dismiss officers found guilty of misconduct, as part of a proposed reform of the disciplinary system. The plans, set to be unveiled during the government’s crime week of policy announcements, aim to rebuild public trust in the police following a string of scandals. The changes will allow chief constables to swiftly tackle bad actors within their force, according to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk. Currently, the final decision on officer dismissals lies with independent lawyers overseeing disciplinary panels. Under the new rules, chief constables will preside over the hearings, streamlining the process of removing rogue officers. However, the head of the police watchdog has warned that granting chief constables the authority to act as judge and jury could undermine the independence of the system. The watchdog has called for lawyers to oversee misconduct hearings, with chief constables retaining the power to determine any resulting punishments.