Introduce a 6-month time limit for police misconduct investigations
We ask the Government to legislate for a statutory 6-month time limit for completing police misconduct investigations. Where cases cannot reasonably be concluded within 6 months, extensions should require approval from an independent authority, with clear justification and regular review.
Signatures
7
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 7/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 7/100,000
- 22 MAY 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by James Stringer
Background
The law should also require:
* A formal review at 3 months
* Welfare and occupational health support for officers under investigation
* Publication of anonymised data on investigation times and outcomes
Prolonged investigations can undermine fairness, efficiency, and workforce wellbeing. Clear time limits with independent oversight would support timely, proportionate decision-making while maintaining public confidence in police accountability.