Shocking figures show that 1 in 100 police officers will face criminal charges, including sex offenses, by 2022
- The Police Federation, which provides legal support to police officers on the wrong side of the law, received 1,387 claims in 2022 alone
- Data follows a series of convictions, including Wayne Couzens and David Carrick
Last year alone, one in 100 police officers was prosecuted, including for sex offences.
The new data shows that the number has increased nearly sixfold since 2012.
The Police Federation, which provides legal support to officers on the wrong side of the law, received 1,387 claims in 2022. Ten years ago there were only 235.
The federation represents around 140,000 serving and former officers in England and Wales and spends millions on lawyers defending those accused of misconduct and criminality.
The new data, obtained by The Observer, follows a series of high-profile convictions, including that of murderer Wayne Couzens and serial rapist David Carrick, that has shaken confidence in the police.
Last year alone, one in 100 police officers faced criminal charges, including for sex offenses (stock image)
Police reform campaign group Netpol accused the police federation of being “always ready to defend the indefensible.” A spokesman said: ‘For as long as we can remember, the police federation has portrayed its members as victims, quickly dismissed most complaints as frivolous and condemned critics of police misconduct.
On the rare occasions when officers are fired or, like Wayne Couzens and David Carrick, convicted of the most heinous crimes, the Federation is quick to distance itself from these “bad apples” despite the growing evidence of a thriving and largely unchallenged police force. culture of racism and misogyny.
Senior officers insist they intend to repair the damage to public confidence caused by a flurry of negative narratives.
“On the face of it, the Federation’s willingness to provide material support to an increasing number of officers facing criminal charges, many for sex offenses, makes it a major obstacle to ever achieving this.”
A spokesperson for StopWatch, which campaigns for fair and responsible policing, added: “We wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers are an underestimation. The Federation seldom holds up a mirror to itself for the sake of accountability.’
That turned out last week former police federation president John Apter would not face charges over two sexual assault charges.
The new data follows a series of high-profile convictions, including those of murderer Wayne Couzens (L) and serial rapist David Carrick (R), that have shaken confidence in the police.
In 2021, Met police officer Couzens used his official ID and handcuffs to kidnap 33-year-old Sarah Everard from Clapham Common. He later raped and killed her and tried to hide her body.
The police had missed opportunities to stop Couzens, despite clear warning signs that he was dangerous for women. He was even nicknamed ‘The Rapist’ by colleagues.
Last month, dude Met Officer Carrick received a life sentence for brutally raping and assaulting at least 12 women.
Last week it was revealed that a Met officer who was caught masturbating twice on a train was still on duty as police could only issue a written warning.
An interior ministry source said: “The interior minister has ordered the armed forces to weed out rogue officers who are unfit to serve. She’s commissioned a review that will attempt to enable senior officers to make it easier to fire rogue agents.”