Hundreds of police officers accused of domestic violence keep their jobs

Over a thousand police officers were accused of domestic violence in the last three years – but hardly any got the chop.

Just 69 constables lost their jobs or voluntarily quit over abuse allegations, despite 1,240 complaints being logged. Some forces with a slew of serious reports failed to sack a single officer.

Our figures, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, came as the government pledged £50 million to tackle violence against women and girls. The Metropolitan Police, Britain’s largest force, recorded 523 abuse allegations against staff between 2022 and 2024, yet only 53 got the boot. Across the other 28 forces that responded to our requests, 16 officers were dismissed over the same period.

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Twenty Hertfordshire officers were accused of domestic violence but all kept their jobs. Of the 14 complaints logged by West Midlands police, just one was asked to undertake “reflective practice”. In Bedfordshire, 22 people were accused but only three were fired or voluntarily resigned. Several forces failed to provide figures so the true number of allegations is likely far higher.

Last night Ellie Butt, of domestic abuse charity Refuge, said: “It is essential that police handling of violence against women and girls is scrutinised but this alone isn’t enough. Labour committed to the suspension of all officers accused of domestic abuse or sexual offences pending an investigation.

“The government must make good on this manifesto pledge as a matter of urgency. We keenly await further details of plans to improve police vetting, which is integral to rooting out police perpetrators, protecting survivors, and restoring police confidence in the justice system as a whole. Women’s confidence in the justice system is currently at a crisis point and we continue to see abuse perpetrated by police officers themselves.”

A string of abusive officers have lost their jobs in recent years. PC Amarjit Dhallu, who worked with vulnerable children, was dismissed from Kent police in 2021 over allegations he strangled a former partner and hit her with a belt. Detective sergeant Paul Whitehurst, who worked in Warwickshire Police ’s anti-corruption unit, was jailed after admitting five charges of beating an ex-girlfriend.

A Met police spokesperson said: “We are committed to rooting out officers and staff whose behaviour falls below the high standards expected. We have stepped up our commitment to tackling allegations of domestic abuse against our officers and staff, as we understand the heavy impact of such offending on victim-survivors.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council added: “We need the strongest possible response to police perpetrators of domestic abuse that protects victims and gives the public confidence in policing.

The government scheme announced last Thursday will see perpetrators offered one-to-one support to help them come off drugs and alcohol and resolve their personal issues. Home Office minister Jess Phillips said the money would give victims a “better and safer future”.