Misconduct investigation into 26 staff and officers following anti-corruption investigation

An operation by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has led to 26 police officers, staff and contractors facing formal misconduct investigations.

On Monday, September 29, members of GMP’s ACU, served misconduct papers after an operation to identify abnormal key stroke behaviour on GMP-issued devices, also known as key jamming. 

This forms the latest strand of an ongoing programme to drive out poor performance and improve efficiency and effectiveness across the force. 

GMP’s Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: “This operation has been underway for a number of months, and as a result we have taken action this week to allow for greater investigation into what has been happening. 

“The abnormal keystroke behaviour comes from repeated key presses and could be from an item left on a keypad, pressing down one key. GMP isn’t the first force in the UK to have undertaken an operation such as this, and we have seen other industries take swift action, where deliberate key-jamming has been proven. 

“As an organisation which seeks to serve the public of Greater Manchester to the best of our abilities, ensuring the responsible and effective use of every pound paid by Greater Manchester’s taxpayers, which forms the basis of our budget. Our communities deserve to see value for money and where deliberate behaviour is proven you can be confident, we will take decisive action in this matter.” 

Working from home privileges have been revoked while further investigation takes place. Additionally, the line managers of those involved will be spoken to and face greater leadership scrutiny.