About misconduct hearings
We currently employ around 31,000 officers. Due to the nature of our work and the number of officers we employ, allegations of bad or unlawful practice against individuals do arise. It’s our duty to investigate each of these cases. These may result in a public misconduct hearing.
The purpose of public hearings
Misconduct hearings are held to present the facts of the case and allow the person to give an explanation of their conduct and the circumstances surrounding the allegation. Witnesses may also be called to give evidence.
The purpose of a public hearing is to show that our disciplinary system is open and transparent. It will demonstrate that we do hold officers who breach the standards of professional behaviour, or those where misconduct is found proven, accountable for their actions.
At each session, we reserve eight places for members of the public and four places for members of the press.
Who can attend?
Any member of the public or press can make a request to attend a misconduct hearing, provided they’re 18 or over.
We allocate places at the hearing on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please note that the chair may also decide to impose other conditions before or during the hearing.
Any extra conditions established before the hearing will be noted within the hearing notice.
Apply to attend a hearing
To request a place at a hearing, please view the list of upcoming misconduct hearings and complete our quick and simple booking form. If a place is available we’ll send you a confirmation email.
We can’t reimburse any expenses you incur by attending.
Please note
Sometimes a misconduct hearing is cancelled at short notice. In these situations we’ll do our best to notify you, but it may not be possible. We’re sorry if this happens to you.
Changes to expect
Occasionally, a misconduct hearing is not held in public or only a part is heard in public. To decide this, the chair takes into account:
- national security
- whether it interferes with the prevention or detection of crime
- the welfare of parties involved
If the chair decides that the evidence to be given by a witness or anyone else should not be disclosed in public, they’ll ask that the public be removed from the hearing.
Use of mobiles and recording equipment
As part of the conditions of entry you must switch to silent all mobile phones, pagers, recording machines or other electronic items in the hearing rooms.
You’re strictly forbidden to use recording or photographic equipment in the hearing rooms. Anyone found to be using such equipment will be asked to leave by police staff.
Only accredited members of the press will be allowed to use text-based communications to report proceedings. They can do so if the chair is satisfied that it doesn’t interfere with the proceedings.
Accessibility
We provide the following facilities to visitors who have a hearing or speech impairment, or are less abled:
- an induction loop system
- space for wheelchair users and assistance dogs
- accessible toilets
Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide interpreters or subtitles.
Police appeals tribunals
Police appeals tribunals hear appeals against the findings of gross misconduct brought by police officers or special constables.
Members of the public can attend appeal hearings as observers but aren’t allowed to participate in proceedings.