West Midlands Police officers placed on barred list more than triples over five years
Figures reveal a sharp rise in numbers since 2020
The number of West Midlands Police officers dismissed and placed on a national barred list has seen a significant rise.
A total of 38 West Midlands Police officers were banned from returning to policing in the year ending 31st March 2026 after breaching professional standards.
Figures supplied by the College of Policing show the number increased from 37 the previous year, which makes it the highest annual total for the force across the six years covered by the figures.
This data is part of a broader force-by-force breakdown, detailing the number of officers added to the barred list nationwide since 2020/21.
The barred list was introduced on 15th December 2017, and nationally by 31st March 2026, a total of 3,591 officers have been placed on it.
Officers dismissed for breaching professional standards are added to the barred list, preventing them from returning to policing.
West Midlands Police is among several forces experiencing notable increases, with the Metropolitan Police adding 195 officers to the list last year alone.
The data highlights growing concerns over misconduct within police forces across the country, as dismissals and barred list additions continue to rise.
Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson, director of operational standards at the College of Policing, said: “Policing is built on trust and these figures show we will not hesitate to act when that trust is broken.
“757 officers have been removed and barred from ever serving again, including those who retired or resigned while under investigation.
“This represents 0.5% of all serving officers, with the vast majority of officers serving with courage, professionalism and integrity.
“We all deserve a service that roots out those who fall short. Where standards are breached, we will find out and we will act."