A serving police officer with Hertfordshire Constabulary remains employed despite being the subject of 45 complaint allegations across 18 separate cases over the past decade, it has been revealed.
The figures, disclosed following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, show that six officers within the force have each been the subject of at least 32 complaints, with the most receiving 45.
However, Hertfordshire Constabulary has refused to disclose the specific nature of the allegations, citing data protection laws, and confirmed that all six officers are still employed by the force.
The complaints span a variety of allegations, including:
- 33 claims of race discrimination
- 22 claims of disability discrimination
- 61 complaints of overbearing or harassing behaviour
- 57 reports of unprofessional attitude or disrespect
- 42 complaints about impolite tone or language
- 70 complaints relating to use of force
- 35 complaints about searches and property seizures
In the 2023/24 financial year, the force received a total of 1,523 complaint allegations against 641 officers. During the same period, 21 officers were referred to misconduct proceedings, with six facing accelerated hearings.
Public Concern and Accountability
The revelations have prompted concerns around accountability and transparency within the force. Campaigners and residents have questioned how officers with such high numbers of complaints remain on the job without clear public outcomes or disciplinary action.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said:
“Hertfordshire Constabulary expects the highest standards of behaviour from its officers and staff members. All allegations made to Hertfordshire Constabulary regarding its officers and staff members are taken very seriously and will be investigated.
If the complaints are serious and misconduct is discovered, officers and staff will face disciplinary procedures which can result in dismissal from the force. Complaint investigations can also result in no officer or staff misconduct being found.”
Calls for Greater Oversight
The FOI response has reignited debate over police accountability in the UK, particularly in cases where repeated allegations appear to have little consequence. Critics argue for stronger independent oversight and greater transparency in complaint outcomes to rebuild public trust.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been urged by some campaigners to review policies surrounding repeat complaints and officers with multiple misconduct allegations.
As pressure mounts, questions remain over what internal action—if any—has been taken against the officers with the highest number of complaints and whether any patterns of behaviour were identified and addressed.
The police force said it remains committed to ensuring “integrity, professionalism, and public confidence” across its ranks.
Anyone who wishes to make a complaint against a police officer can do so by contacting Hertfordshire Constabulary directly or via the IOPC.
