A landmark report from the police watchdog has delivered a devastating verdict on the conduct of officers before, during, and after the Hillsborough disaster, finding them guilty of "deep complacency," "fundamental failure," and a "concerted effort" to blame Liverpool supporters.
A Legacy of Failure and Injustice
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concluded its 13-year investigation, the largest of its kind, stating that thirteen officers would have faced misconduct investigations had they still been serving. This includes the then-chief constable of South Yorkshire Police (SYP), Peter Wright. The report details a cascade of institutional failings that contributed to Britain's worst sporting tragedy, where 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives in a crush at the FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield on April 15, 1989.
IOPC deputy director general Kathie Cashell stated the ordeal of the victims' families was "a source of national shame." She outlined a triple failure: "First by the deep complacency of South Yorkshire Police in its preparation for the match, followed by its fundamental failure to grip the disaster as it unfolded, and then through the force’s concerted efforts to deflect the blame on to the Liverpool supporters."
The Unpursued Cases and a 'Bitter Injustice'
The IOPC identified 12 officers with a case to answer for gross misconduct and a 13th for misconduct. Alongside Peter Wright, who died in 2011, the named officers include match commander Chief Supt David Duckenfield, who was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter in 2019. The report states SYP "attempted to deflect the blame" with "allegations about the behaviour of supporters, which have been repeatedly disproven."
However, no one will face disciplinary proceedings as all have left the police service. Solicitor Nicola Brook, representing several bereaved families, called this a "bitter injustice," adding: "It exposes a system that has allowed officers to simply walk away, retiring without scrutiny, sanction or consequence."
Families' Reaction and the 'Hillsborough Law'
The report's reception among families has been mixed, with many expressing frustration over the time taken and the lack of tangible accountability. Jenni Hicks, who lost her two teenage daughters, Sarah and Vicki, questioned the 13-year timeline, stating: "There's very little in this report that I didn't know already."
Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew died, was dismissive of both the report and the newly proposed legislation: "Nothing will ever change. There will be another cover-up... until they're the ones who stop protecting and covering up for themselves."
In a direct response to the scandal, the government introduced the 'Hillsborough Law' to the House of Commons in September 2025. This legislation aims to impose a statutory duty of candour on public officials, compelling honesty and integrity. The IOPC noted that had such a duty existed in 1989, the traumatic fight for answers endured by families might have been avoided.
