Four Greater Manchester Police staff dismissed for key jamming

The practise was uncovered during an investigation was launched into key jamming or abnormal key stroke behaviour.

 This is where an object is used to hold down a computer key, down giving the impression that a person is working and usually carried out when working remotely, for example at home.

The misconduct involved repeatedly pressing keys to give the false impression of working while not actually completing tasks.

Each of the dismissed staff members, who worked across various departments, was found to have logged thousands of minutes in which they appeared to be active without carrying out legitimate work.

Two additional members of staff resigned, and further hearings will continue into the New Year.

So far, since September 2025, a total of 28 officers, staff, and contractors have been served with misconduct papers, an increase from the 26 cases first reported in October.

The ongoing investigation is being carried out by GMP’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: “I’m grateful to the work of the Anti-Corruption Unit for conducting this proactive operation to root out poor performance, dishonesty and conduct that is just not conducive with working for GMP.

“This work is doing a great service to the public and our workforce to ensure that the people of GM can have confidence that their police force will not stand for the tiny minority that reflect badly on the thousands of decent hard-working that serve the public so brilliantly every day.

“We’re prepared to lead the way in proactively tackling police corruption and misconduct.

“As these recent proactive investigations demonstrate, the Chief and I mean it when we say we’re serious about ‘rooting out’ and ‘booting out’.”

The operation is part of a wider effort by GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate to improve workplace standards, behaviour, and overall efficiency across the force.

The dismissed staff have been added to the policing barred list, preventing them from working in law enforcement again.

All those involved in the misconduct have had their remote working privileges revoked while investigations continue.

Their line managers have also been spoken to and are now subject to increased leadership scrutiny.

The “key jamming” practice involved creating the appearance of productive work by repeatedly pressing keys on police-issued devices, even when not actively engaged in tasks, potentially deceiving supervisors and undermining trust in internal reporting.

GMP described the probe as part of its commitment to “rooting out” poor performance and dishonesty in the workplace.