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?
Any member of the public or press can make a request to attend a misconduct hearing, as long as they’re 18 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.
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. 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.
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
Accessibility
If you require assistance with attending the hearing venue, please include this in your application to attend.
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.