Changes to the Police Gross Misconduct process

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.037470

I note you seek access to the following information:

On the 16 April 2024 the government announced that starting from the 7 May 2024, the new misconduct proceedings would come into effect and LQCs would now become LQPs. A Senior Police Officer would now chair the panel and a IPM would also remain on the panel. The final decision is still based upon a majority vote. My questions are the following:

1. How does this change the dynamic of the panel? Does the Senior police officer have more influence and decision making than the LQP?
2. Will this come into effect for new Misconduct proceedings that are commenced after 7 May 2024 (for example - If a police officers misconduct investigation started before the changes were implemented, they still will have a right to have their panel chaired by an LQC?)
3. If the changes were implemented to give a senior police officer more power of decision making, how does that work if the final decision is still a majority vote?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - How does this change the dynamic of the panel? Does the Senior police officer have more influence and decision making than the LQP?

This is not strictly correct. The Panel Make up will be a Senior Police Officer (Chair) Independent member with Tribunal experience/qualification (IPM 1 for ease of understanding) and another Independent member (IPM 2). There will also be a LQA appointed (legally qualified Advisor to the panel). However, the LQA is not a panel member but there to provide legal advice to the panel. MOPAC will appoint the LQA and both IPM’s.

Q2 - Will this come into effect for new Misconduct proceedings that are commenced after 7 May 2024 (for example - If a police officer’s misconduct investigation started before the changes were implemented, they still will have a right to have their panel chaired by an LQC?)

It will come into effect for all 2020 regulation cases where a regulation 30 notice has not already been served on the officer. The regulation 30 triggers the hearing process and lists the Chairs details. It has nothing to do with when the investigation commenced.

Q3 - If the changes were implemented to give a senior police officer more power of decision making, how does that work if the final decision is still a majority vote?

This information is not held by the MPS.