EIGHT police officers from Cumbria Constabulary were sacked or barred in 2023-24, new figures have found.

Statistics from the College of Policing, a professional body for people working in policing, show the number is the highest figure for at least six years since 2018-19.

Since 2017, officers sacked for misconduct are added to the 'barred list', which prevents them from working for the police.

Of these, six were dismissed and banned while serving, while one had already resigned and one had retired.

Since 2018-19, 15 officers have been kicked out of Cumbria Constabulary.

Deputy Chief Constable Darren Martland, of Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Whilst this is disappointing, it demonstrates the proactive and robust approach adopted by the Constabulary to investigate, challenge and expose incidents of substandard professionalism and integrity.

“Our officers and staff are aware of the code ethics that governs their conduct and integrity, across both their professional and personal lives and there is no place for anyone who falls below the standards expected of them. 

“Our processes are open and transparent and I would encourage members of the public to use the various mechanisms available, to report any concerns they have in relation to officer and staff conduct.  

“The vast majority of our officers and staff are dedicated to keeping the communities of Cumbria safe and act with professionalism, integrity and honesty.” 

Meanwhile, the number soared across England and Wales, with 593 officers kicked out of police forces around England and Wales in 2023-24, up 50 per cent from 394 dismissals the year before.

Among all police forces, dishonesty was the most common reason recorded for sacking, in 125 cases, while sexual offences or misconduct was recorded in 74.

Discriminatory behaviour was recorded in 71 cases, and unlawful access to or disclosure of information in 66.

Eighteen officers were sacked for being part of a discriminatory WhatsApp group, the same number for possessing indecent images of children, and 33 for abusing their position for a sexual purpose.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Harding, director of operational standards at the College of Policing, said: "It is of course, hugely disappointing to see the conduct of a number of officers falling far below the standard that we set for policing and which the public rightly expects.

"However, these figures show that we have effective, robust procedures in place to identify and deal with these officers swiftly, and to prevent them from holding future roles in within the police.

“The service will continue working to ensure we attract the right people into policing, ensuring that those who fail to meet these high standards have no future in policing.”