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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 16 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.
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 photo ID 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:
Read our conditions of entry for more information on attending a misconduct hearing.
Wherever possible, our venues will have access and facilities for the disabled but this can't be guaranteed. Let us know in advance what your requirements are and we'll try to make arrangements for you, or let you know if we can't.
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.