An official review has exposed a crisis at the top of policing in England and Wales. Since 2018, the IOPC has received 107 referrals involving chief officers and opened 78 investigations. Forty seven concerned chief constables or equivalents, although some people featured more than once. In June, eight serving or former chiefs were under investigation or awaiting disciplinary proceedings.
My review of public announcements found at least six serving or acting chief constables suspended pending misconduct inquiries since July 2023. Suspension is a neutral act, not proof of guilt. However, two were subsequently found to have committed gross misconduct, one committed misconduct and three cases remain unresolved on the latest public information.
Then comes the cost. Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable Will Kerr received £165,539 to retire after two years on full pay. Hampshire’s Scott Chilton, who is not among the six, retired immediately after being notified of an investigation. Official draft accounts record £55,154 compensation for loss of employment. His hearing begins in October.
For me, this is not abstract. I have spent years seeking answers and accountability from Gloucestershire Constabulary. Its suspended Chief Constable, Rod Hansen, denies a separate allegation concerning his response to a suspected data breach and awaits the resumption of his hearing. Yet Gloucestershire’s draft accounts record £268,841 in remuneration including employer pension contributions for Hansen and £184,433 for Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth.
Why leaders should care: Due process matters. So do speed, transparency and accountability. When investigations take years, replacements must be paid and exit settlements follow, trust drains away. Public confidence is not merely damaged. It is invoiced.
William Montgomery is the Founder and CEO of TEN LTD, and an experienced keynote speaker and event host. He has spoken to a broad range of audiences on a variety of topics, bringing valuable insights and expertise. In addition, he volunteers with Speakers for Schools and Inspiring the Future. For more information or to request further insights, please contact him on +44 333 666 1010.