About misconduct hearings
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.
Who can attend?
Anyone can attend a misconduct hearing. We allocate places on a first-come-first-served basis.
Apply to attend a hearing
Please view the upcoming hearings to find out the date, time and venue of each hearing. On the day of the hearing, please bring photo ID with you.
We can’t reimburse any expenses you incur by attending.
Please note
Sometimes a misconduct hearing is cancelled at short notice. We’re sorry if this happens to a hearing you were hoping to attend.
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.
Read our conditions of entry for more information on attending a misconduct hearing.
Accessibility
Our buildings are accessible by wheelchair and a member of staff will help you sign in.
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.