From today, it will be easier for the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police to sack officers not fit to wear the badge, as the government gives Police Chiefs greater powers to drive culture and standards in their force.
Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, or his delegate, will now have responsibility for chairing misconduct hearings which decide on the removal of officers found guilty of police misconduct, giving Chiefs greater jurisdiction over their own workforce.
The new measures are being introduced nationally across England and Wales today and will also see the appointment of independent lawyers in an advisory role to Chiefs and the wider panel.
February, the government set out further changes to the police disciplinary system which will mean that any officer charged with an indictable offence will be automatically suspended from duty until an outcome is reached. This was alongside legislation that will make it easier to sack officers who fail to hold basic vetting when re-checked, as well as anyone found guilty of gross misconduct.
Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police, Stephen Watson QPM said:
“We welcome this change in legislation which will allow us the increased capacity to root out and boot out more officers unfit to serve the public more quickly.
“In Greater Manchester over the last two years, we have already tripled the rate in which we’ve been dismissing officers who should not be in our uniform.
“We are using all available powers to ensure the public can have trust in their police force, including us increasingly looking to appeal for police pensions to be forfeited where applicable.
“The vast, vast majority of GMP’s officers are dedicated and compassionate professionals who are committed to making sure we are providing the best possible service for the people of GM.”
