The police watchdog has concluded that twelve officers would have faced gross misconduct proceedings for their actions surrounding the Hillsborough disaster, a new report reveals. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) identified the individuals after a comprehensive investigation into the 1989 tragedy and the deeply flawed aftermath that followed.
Senior Command Failures and a "Frozen" Response
The IOPC found that the then chief constable of South Yorkshire Police (SYP), Peter Wright, who died in 2011, would have had a case to answer. The report states he sought to deflect blame onto Liverpool fans despite early knowledge of police responsibility for opening an exit gate. His force adopted a "highly defensive" approach during the subsequent public inquiry.
Match commander David Duckenfield, acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter in 2019, would also have faced misconduct proceedings. Investigators said he "froze" during the crisis, giving the order to open gates without implementing crowd control measures, which led directly to the fatal crush. He later falsely told FA officials that fans had forced a gate.
The watchdog also identified failures by Assistant Chief Constable Walter Jackson (died 2022) for inadequate planning, and Superintendent Bernard Murray (deceased) for failures in command alongside Mr Duckenfield.
A Damaging Narrative and a "Limited" Investigation
The report heavily criticises the post-disaster investigations. Sir Norman Bettison, a chief inspector at the time who later led Merseyside Police, was found to have "deliberately downplayed" his role and later made statements in 2012 that were a "deliberate attempt to mislead the public." He was previously charged, but the case was dropped.
The criminal investigation, led by West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Mervyn Jones, was described as "extremely and inexplicably limited." The IOPC found he would have a case to answer for gross misconduct, including for the deletion of electronic policy files related to the probe. Printed copies were made first, but these files were never recovered.
Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Foster, the senior detective on that investigation, was referred to the CPS with Mr Jones. The IOPC said their "fixed mindset" led to a biased investigation that failed to be rigorous and unfairly favoured the police narrative over the fans.
Operational Failings and False Allegations
The report also detailed failings by officers on the ground. Superintendent Roger Marshall would have a case for failing to manage crowds and for requesting the gates be opened. Inspector Harry White, in charge near the fatal tunnel, failed in crowd management, while Sergeant John Morgan neglected his duty by leaving his post for over half an hour.
In a stark finding, the IOPC investigated claims by Mounted Police Constable David Scott, supported by farrier Philip Webb, that fans burned his horse with cigarettes. After reviewing video evidence with an equine expert, Mr Webb changed his account. The IOPC concluded this damaging allegation, which portrayed fans as cruel or insensitive, did not take place. Both men were referred to the CPS, but no charges were authorised.
Regarding the amendment of statements, the IOPC found Retired Detective Chief Inspector Alan Foster would have a case for pressuring officers who resisted changes to their accounts for the Taylor Inquiry. However, he and former Chief Superintendent Donald Denton had no case for the amendments themselves, as the force had no obligation to submit evidence undermining its preferred version of events.
The IOPC's report, published on 2 December 2025, underscores a profound institutional failure. It states that the original investigation by West Midlands Police let down the Hillsborough families and that a "narrow" approach prevented true accountability for decades. As all identified officers are either deceased or retired, no formal misconduct proceedings can now be brought.
