Eleven former or serving police officers with Devon and Cornwall Police have been cleared of gross misconduct allegations that they faked keyboard activity to make it appear they were working.
A misconduct hearing last week found three serving officers and eight former officers had no case to answer in relation to gross misconduct allegations, Devon & Cornwall Police said.
The Devon and Cornwall Police Federation said the 11 officers were subjected to a “witch hunt” which caused an “incredible strain on both them and their loved ones”.
The officers faced allegations that they downloaded and utilised software capable of simulating keyboard activity, creating the appearance they were actively working at their computers when they were away from their desks.
Devon & Cornwall Police said the allegations were first brought to the attention of its professional standards department in July 2025.
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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.”
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