Police officers cleared over allegations of faking keyboard activity to appear to be working

Eleven serving and former police officers have been cleared of gross misconduct allegations that they faked keyboard activity to feign active working.

A misconduct hearing on Wednesday established that three serving Devon & Cornwall Police officers and eight former officers had no case to answer, the force confirmed.

The Devon and Cornwall Police Federation said the officers had been subjected to a "witch hunt" which caused an "incredible strain on both them and their loved ones".

The personnel had faced accusations that they downloaded software to simulate computer activity, making it appear they were working while away from their desks.

Devon & Cornwall Police stated that the allegations were first brought to the direct attention of its professional standards department in July 2025.

Katie Clements, chair of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, said the accusations had “taken a heavy toll”.

Ms Clements added: “Officers have faced months of mental health anguish over being accused of lying – one of the worst things a police officer can be accused of – and there has been an incredible impact on both the officers and their families.

“Only three of our colleagues remain in policing, eight have left the job, that is how much this has affected them. What a devastating loss of capability and experience.

“How much public money has been spent on what our members will see as a pointless witch hunt?

“There was never any merit to this probe. The force failed to acknowledge the evidence that was placed in front of them throughout the process.

“Oversight of officers must be fair. This was not the case here.

“There is now a sense of fear amongst colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police. Who could be next?”

The federation said it would be “raising our concerns directly with the chief constable and deputy chief constable” and in those conversations “seriously questioning our ongoing confidence in the professional standards department”.

Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: “I am acutely aware of the strain investigations place on officers involved but it is right that we always investigate allegations robustly, whilst also ensuring that appropriate support is in place.

“We will continue to engage with the Police Federation and others to ensure appropriate measures are in place for all those impacted by this case.

“Devon & Cornwall Police are committed to ensuring that allegations of misconduct are assessed fairly and investigated thoroughly with transparency throughout the process to maintain the trust and confidence of our communities.”