Hillsborough Police Misconduct Investigations Conclude Without Charges

IOPC finds evidence of blame deflection by South Yorkshire Police but cites outdated standards for lack of accountability.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into police conduct following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which resulted in 97 deaths.
The IOPC found South Yorkshire Police attempted to deflect blame but determined officers did not have a case to answer for misconduct due to the absence of a legal duty of candour at the time.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to introduce a 'Hillsborough Law,' mandating a duty of candour for public officials, by the next anniversary of the disaster on April 15.
The investigation, launched in 2013, reviewed 354 complaints, with over half of the allegations upheld, though many complainants expressed frustration at the lack of accountability.
Campaigners and families of victims continue to advocate for a comprehensive Hillsborough Law to prevent similar failures in the future.