About misconduct hearings
We employ many people. Taking that and the nature of our operation into consideration, alleged transgressions of accepted practice or unlawful activity, whether or not they've passed through the legal courts system, are bound to arise. It’s our duty to investigate each case, which 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.
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.
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. 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.
Conditions of entry
The person chairing a hearing can decide to impose certain conditions around the hearing. Those could include:
- asking people attending the hearing to register and bring valid identification with them
- restricting what can be brought into the hearing room, or into the building where the hearing is taking place
- limiting the number of people who can attend the hearing
- restrictions on reporting
- not allowing photos, video or sound recording
- not letting people in once the hearing has started
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.