Norfolk Police Addresses Gross Misconduct Cases: A Three-Year Review
Over the past three years, Norfolk Police has taken significant steps to address misconduct within its ranks, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining public trust and professional standards. In 2023, the force investigated four serious cases of gross misconduct, with all allegations being proven through thorough internal investigations. The consequences were substantial, as four officers were dismissed from service, though some chose to resign before formal dismissal proceedings concluded. This represented the beginning of a more rigorous approach to accountability within the force, setting a precedent for how misconduct would be handled moving forward.
The following year saw a dramatic increase in case volume, with Norfolk Police reviewing 16 cases of alleged gross misconduct in 2024. The investigations resulted in 14 of these cases being found proven, indicating a consistent standard of evidence was being applied across the board. The outcomes were significant, with 14 officers departing the force either through dismissal or resignation ahead of formal proceedings. This substantial increase in cases may reflect either growing misconduct issues or, more positively, enhanced detection and willingness to investigate potential breaches of professional standards, suggesting a cultural shift toward greater transparency and accountability.
The trend continued into 2025, with seven cases of gross misconduct investigated in just the first seven months of the year. Of these cases, six were found proven, maintaining the high substantiation rate seen in previous years. Four officers faced dismissal or would have been dismissed had they not resigned beforehand. This consistent approach to serious misconduct demonstrates Norfolk Police’s ongoing commitment to upholding professional standards, even as the pace of investigations appears to have slowed somewhat compared to the previous year’s significant caseload.
One particularly notable case involved Police Constable Andrew Barton, who was struck off the force in January 2025 following a serious incident that occurred on October 31, 2022. PC Barton’s misconduct involved handcuffing a vulnerable juvenile to railings after applying what was determined to be excessive force during the encounter. The disciplinary proceedings revealed that Barton had also placed the young person in a headlock, despite the fact that the juvenile “was not displaying any significant threat” that would warrant such a response. This case highlights the type of behavior the force has been working to eliminate from its ranks.
The Barton case exemplifies the kind of misconduct that Norfolk Police has been addressing through its disciplinary processes – actions that violate both professional standards and public trust, particularly when involving vulnerable individuals. The disproportionate use of force against a young person who posed no significant threat represents precisely the type of police behavior that damages community relations and undermines confidence in law enforcement. By taking decisive action in cases like Barton’s, Norfolk Police sends a clear message about the standards of conduct expected from its officers, especially when interacting with vulnerable members of society.
Looking at these three years collectively, Norfolk Police has investigated a total of 27 cases of gross misconduct, with 24 being found proven – an 89% substantiation rate. This has resulted in 22 officers leaving the force through either dismissal or resignation. These figures demonstrate the force’s commitment to addressing misconduct when identified, with consistent consequences for those found to have violated professional standards. While the significant number of cases might initially appear concerning, it could also indicate a healthy organizational culture that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the maintenance of public trust – essential elements for effective policing in a democratic society. As Norfolk Police continues this work, the consistent application of standards will remain crucial for maintaining community confidence in the force’s integrity and professionalism.
