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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.
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.
Any member of the public or press can make a request to attend a misconduct hearing, provided they’re 18 or over.
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The person chairing or conducting the misconduct hearing has discretion to exclude anyone from all or part of the proceedings. They may decide parts of it should not be heard in public or, during the hearing, ask members of the public to withdraw while a certain issue is addressed.
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.
On the day of the hearing, please bring with you:
We can’t reimburse any expenses you incur by attending.
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.
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:
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.
The person chairing a hearing can decide to impose certain conditions around the hearing. Those could include:
Find more information in the Home Office guidance on misconduct hearings.
Misconduct hearings take place in various Police buildings. If you wish to attend a hearing please include any accessibility requirements in your request, so that provisions can be made.
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.