Only 4% of alleged domestic abusers in police dismissed, survey finds
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Just 4% of alleged domestic abusers in the police were dismissed over a 12-month period, according to new data from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales. Dame Nicole Jacobs called for “structural change” to both protect victims and rebuild public confidence in policing.
Launching her criminal justice report on Wednesday, the commissioner revealed a survey of forces by her office found there had been 1,294 allegations of police-perpetrated domestic abuse (PPDA) in the 12 months to the end of March 2024. These allegations related to 899 individuals, who make up 0.4% of the police workforce which covers roles such as officers, staff and police community support officers.
All but two forces across England and Wales were able to provide information on outcomes for such allegations, according to the commissioner’s report, with most allegations ending in a ‘no case to answer’, a suspension or what is known as a learning outcome.
Just 4% ended with a worker being dismissed from their role, Dame Nicole said. In her report, she said: “Police-perpetrated domestic abuse and VAWG is particularly harmful, given the power differential between the victim and the perpetrator and the ability of the perpetrator to prevent the victim from accessing protection and accountability through the criminal justice system.”.
