PART 1 Preliminary

Citation, commencement and extent

1.–(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 and shall come into force on 1st December 2008.

(2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales.

Revocation and transitional provisions

2.–(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004(4) are revoked.

(2) Where an allegation in respect of conduct by a police officer came to the attention of an appropriate authority before 1st December 2008 nothing in these Regulations shall apply and the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 shall continue to have effect.

Interpretation and delegation

3.–(1) In these Regulations–

"the 1996 Act" means the Police Act 1996;

"the 2002 Act" means the Police Reform Act 2002(5);

"the Police Regulations" means the Police Regulations 2003(6);

"the Complaints Regulations" means the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2004(7);

"the Performance Regulations" means the Police (Performance) Regulations 2008(8);

"allegation" means an allegation relating to a complaint or conduct matter;

"appropriate authority" means–

"appeal hearing" means an appeal to a police appeals tribunal in accordance with the Police Appeals Tribunals Rules 2008(9);

"appeal meeting" means a meeting held in accordance with regulation 39 following a misconduct meeting;

"bank holiday" means a day which is a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971(10) in England and Wales;

"complainant" means the person referred to at section 12(1)(a) to (c) (as the case may be) of the 2002 Act (complaints, matters and persons to which Part 2 applies);

"complaint" has the meaning given to it by section 12(1) of the 2002 Act;

"conduct" includes acts, omissions and statements (whether actual, alleged or inferred);

"conduct matter" has the meaning given to it by section 12(2) of the 2002 Act;

"the Commission" means the Independent Police Complaints Commission established under section 9 of the 2002 Act (the Independent Police Complaints Commission);

"criminal proceedings" means–

"disciplinary action" means, in order of seriousness starting with the least serious action–

"disciplinary proceedings" means, other than in paragraph (7) or (8) of this regulation, any proceedings under these Regulations and any appeal from misconduct proceedings or a special case hearing dealt with under the Police Appeals Tribunals Rules 2008;

"document" means anything in which information of any description is recorded and includes any recording of a visual image or images;

"gross misconduct" means a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour so serious that dismissal would be justified;

"harm test" has the meaning given to it in regulation 4;

"HMCIC" means Her Majesty´s Chief Inspector of Constabulary appointed under section 54(1) of the 1996 Act (appointment and functions of inspectors of constabulary);

"human resources professional" means a police officer or police staff member who has specific responsibility for personnel matters relating to members of a police force;

"informant" means a person who provides information to an investigation on the basis that his identity is not disclosed during the course of the disciplinary proceedings;

"interested party" means a person whose appointment could reasonably give rise to a concern as to whether he could act impartially under these Regulations;

"interested person" has the meaning given to it by section 21(5) of the 2002 Act (duty to provide information to other persons);

"investigator" means a person–

as the case may be;

"management action" means action or advice intended to improve the conduct of the officer concerned;

"management advice" means management action imposed following misconduct proceedings or an appeal meeting;

"misconduct" means a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour;

"misconduct hearing" means a hearing to which the officer concerned is referred under regulation 19 and at which he may be dealt with by disciplinary action up to and including dismissal;

"misconduct meeting" means a meeting to which the officer concerned is referred under regulation 19 and at which he may be dealt with by disciplinary action up to and including a final written warning;

"misconduct proceedings" means a misconduct meeting or misconduct hearing;

"the officer concerned" means the police officer in relation to whose conduct there has been an allegation;

"personal record" means a personal record kept under regulation 15 of the Police Regulations (contents of personal records);

"police force concerned" means–

"police friend" means a person chosen by the officer concerned in accordance with regulation 6;

"police officer" means a member of a police force or special constable;

"police staff member" means an employee of a police authority who is under the direction and control of a chief officer of police;

"proposed witness" means a witness whose attendance at the misconduct proceedings the officer concerned or the appropriate authority (as the case may be) wishes to request of the person conducting or chairing those proceedings;

"relevant lawyer" has the same meaning as in section 84(4) of the 1996 Act, subject to the provisions of paragraph 35 of Schedule 27 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008;

"senior officer" means a member of a police force holding a rank above that of chief superintendent;

"special case hearing" means a hearing to which the officer concerned is referred under regulation 41 after the case has been certified as a special case;

"special case proceedings" means the referral of a case to a special case hearing and any proceedings at or in connection with such a hearing;

"staff association" means–

"Standards of Professional Behaviour" means the standards of professional behaviour contained in the Schedule; and

"working day" means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day which is a bank holiday or a public holiday in England and Wales.

(2) In these Regulations–

(a) a reference to an officer other than a senior officer shall include a reference to a special constable, regardless of his level of seniority;

(b) a reference to a copy of a statement shall, where it was not made in writing, be construed as a reference to a copy of an account of that statement;

(c) the "special conditions" are that–

(i) there is sufficient evidence, in the form of written statements or other documents, without the need for further evidence, whether written or oral, to establish on the balance of probabilities that the conduct of the officer concerned constitutes gross misconduct; and

(ii) it is in the public interest for the officer concerned to cease to be a police officer without delay.

(3) For the purposes of these Regulations–

(a) a written warning shall remain in force for a period of 12 months from the date on which it takes effect; and

(b) subject to regulations 35(6)(b) and 55(2)(b), a final written warning shall remain in force for a period of 18 months from the date on which it takes effect.

(4) The reference to the period of–

(a) 12 months in paragraph (3)(a); and

(b) 18 months in paragraph (3)(b) and regulations 35(7) and 55(3),

shall not include any time when the officer concerned is taking a career break (under regulation 33(12) of the Police Regulations (leave) and the determination of the Secretary of State made under that regulation).

(5) Where the appropriate authority is a chief officer of police, he may, subject to paragraph (6), delegate any of his functions under these Regulations to a–

(a) member of a police force of at least the rank of chief inspector; or

(b) police staff member who, in the opinion of the chief officer is of at least a similar level of seniority to a chief inspector.

(6) Where the appropriate authority delegates its functions under regulation 10 or 41, the decisions shall be authorised by a senior officer.

(7) Any proceedings under these Regulations are disciplinary proceedings for the purposes of section 87(5) of the 1996 Act (guidance concerning disciplinary proceedings)(11).

(8) Any proceedings under these Regulations are disciplinary proceedings for the purposes of section 29(1) of the 2002 Act (interpretation of Part 2).

The harm test

4. Information in documents which are stated to be subject to the harm test under these Regulations shall not be supplied to the officer concerned in so far as the appropriate authority considers that preventing disclosure to him is –

(a) necessary for the purpose of preventing the premature or inappropriate disclosure of information that is relevant to, or may be used in, any criminal proceedings;

(b) necessary in the interests of national security;

(c) necessary for the purpose of the prevention or detection of crime, or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders;

(d) necessary for the purpose of the prevention or detection of misconduct by other police officers or police staff members or their apprehension for such matters;

(e) justified on the grounds that providing the information would involve disproportionate effort in comparison to the seriousness of the allegations against the officer concerned;

(f) necessary and proportionate for the protection of the welfare and safety of any informant or witness; or

(g) otherwise in the public interest.

PART 2 General

Application

5. These Regulations apply where an allegation comes to the attention of an appropriate authority which indicates that the conduct of a police officer may amount to misconduct or gross misconduct.

Police Friend

6.–(1) The officer concerned may choose–

(a) a police officer;

(b) a police staff member; or

(c) where the officer concerned is a member of a police force, a person nominated by his staff association,

who is not otherwise involved in the matter, to act as his police friend.

(2) A police friend may–

(a) advise the officer concerned throughout the proceedings under these Regulations;

(b) unless the officer concerned has the right to be legally represented and chooses to be so represented, represent the officer concerned at the misconduct proceedings or special case hearing or appeal meeting;

(c) make representations to the appropriate authority concerning any aspect of the proceedings under these Regulations; and

(d) accompany the officer concerned to any interview, meeting or hearing which forms part of any proceedings under these Regulations.

(3) Where a police friend is a police officer or a police staff member, the chief officer of police of the force of which the police friend is a member shall permit him to use a reasonable amount of duty time for the purposes referred to in paragraph (2).

(4) The reference in paragraph (3) to the force of which the police friend is a member shall include a reference to the force maintained for the police area for which a special constable is appointed and the force in which a police staff member is serving.

Legal and other representation

7.–(1) The officer concerned has the right to be legally represented, by a relevant lawyer of his choice, at a misconduct hearing or a special case hearing.

(2) If the officer concerned chooses not to be legally represented at such a hearing he may be dismissed or receive any other outcome under regulation 35 or 55 without his being so represented.

(3) Except in a case where the officer concerned has the right to be legally represented and chooses to be so represented, he may be represented at misconduct proceedings or a special case hearing or an appeal meeting only by a police friend.

(4) The appropriate authority may be represented at misconduct proceedings or a special case hearing or an appeal meeting by–

(a) a police officer or police staff member of the police force concerned; or

(b) at a misconduct hearing or a special case hearing only, a relevant lawyer (whether or not the officer concerned chooses to be legally represented).

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), the appropriate authority may appoint a person to advise the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings or special case hearing or appeal meeting.

(6) At a misconduct meeting or an appeal meeting, the person appointed under paragraph (5) shall not be a relevant lawyer.

Provision of notices or documents

8. Where any written notice or document is to be given or supplied to the officer concerned under these Regulations, it shall be–

(a) given to him in person;

(b) left with some person at, or sent by recorded delivery to, his last known address; or

(c) in respect of a written notice under regulation 15(1), given to him in person by his police friend where the police friend has agreed with the appropriate authority to deliver the notice.

Outstanding or possible criminal proceedings

9.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, proceedings under these Regulations shall proceed without delay.

(2) Before referring a case to misconduct proceedings or a special case hearing, the appropriate authority shall decide whether misconduct proceedings or special case proceedings would prejudice any criminal proceedings.

(3) For any period during which the appropriate authority considers any misconduct proceedings or special case proceedings would prejudice any criminal proceedings, no such misconduct or special case proceedings shall take place.

(4) Where a witness who is or may be a witness in any criminal proceedings is to be or may be asked to attend misconduct proceedings, the appropriate authority shall consult the relevant prosecutor (and when doing so must inform him of the names and addresses of all such witnesses) before making its decision under paragraph (2).

(5) For the purposes of this regulation "relevant prosecutor" means the Director of Public Prosecutions or any other person who has or is likely to have responsibility for the criminal proceedings.

Suspension

10.–(1) The appropriate authority may, subject to the provisions of this regulation, suspend the officer concerned from his office as constable and (in the case of a member of a police force) from membership of the force.

(2) An officer concerned who is suspended under this regulation remains a police officer for the purposes of these Regulations.

(3) A suspension under this regulation shall be with pay.

(4) The appropriate authority shall not suspend a police officer under this regulation unless the following conditions ("the suspension conditions") are satisfied–

(a) having considered temporary redeployment to alternative duties or an alternative location as an alternative to suspension, the appropriate authority has determined that such redeployment is not appropriate in all the circumstances of the case; and

(b) it appears to the appropriate authority that either–

(i) the effective investigation of the case may be prejudiced unless the officer concerned is so suspended; or

(ii) having regard to the nature of the allegation and any other relevant considerations, the public interest requires that he should be so suspended.

(5) The appropriate authority may exercise the power to suspend the officer concerned under this regulation at any time from the date on which these Regulations first apply to the officer concerned in accordance with regulation 5 until–

(a) it is decided that the conduct of the officer concerned shall not be referred to misconduct proceedings or a special case hearing; or

(b) such proceedings have concluded.

(6) The appropriate authority may suspend the officer concerned with effect from the date and time of notification which shall be given either–

(a) in writing with a summary of the reasons; or

(b) orally, in which case the appropriate authority shall confirm the suspension in writing with a summary of the reasons before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after the suspension.

(7) The officer concerned (or his police friend) may make representations against his suspension to the appropriate authority–

(a) before the end of 7 working days beginning with the first working day after his being suspended;

(b) at any time during the suspension if he reasonably believes that circumstances relevant to the suspension conditions have changed.

(8) The appropriate authority shall review the suspension conditions–

(a) on receipt of any representations under paragraph (7)(a);

(b) if there has been no previous review, before the end of 4 weeks beginning with the first working day after the suspension;

(c) in any other case–

(i) on being notified that circumstances relevant to the suspension conditions may have changed (whether by means of representations made under paragraph (7)(b) or otherwise); or

(ii) before the end of 4 weeks beginning with the day after the previous review.

(9) Where, following a review under paragraph (8), the suspension conditions remain satisfied and the appropriate authority decides the suspension should continue, it shall, before the end of 3 working days beginning with the day after the review, so notify the officer concerned in writing with a summary of the reasons.

(10) Subject to paragraph (12), where the officer concerned is suspended under this regulation, he shall remain so suspended until whichever of the following occurs first–

(a) the suspension conditions are no longer satisfied;

(b) either of the events mentioned in paragraph (5)(a) and, subject to paragraph (11), (5)(b).

(11) Where an officer concerned who is suspended is dismissed with notice under regulation 35 he shall remain suspended until the end of the notice period.

(12) In a case to which paragraph 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations) applies, the appropriate authority must consult with the Commission–

(a) in deciding whether or not to suspend the officer concerned under this regulation; and

(b) before a suspension under this regulation is brought to an end by virtue of paragraph (10)(a).

PART 3 Investigations

Application of this Part

11. This Part shall not apply to a case to which paragraph 16, 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations) applies.

Assessment of conduct

12.–(1) Subject to paragraph (6) the appropriate authority shall assess whether the conduct which is the subject matter of the allegation, if proved, would amount to misconduct or gross misconduct or neither.

(2) Where the appropriate authority assesses that the conduct, if proved, would amount to neither misconduct nor gross misconduct, it may–

(a) take no action;

(b) take management action against the officer concerned; or

(c) refer the matter to be dealt with under the Performance Regulations.

(3) Where the appropriate authority assesses that the conduct, if proved, would amount to misconduct, it shall determine whether or not it is necessary for the matter to be investigated and–

(a) if so, the matter shall be investigated and the appropriate authority shall further determine whether, if the matter were to be referred to misconduct proceedings, those would be likely to be a misconduct meeting or a misconduct hearing;

(b) if not, the appropriate authority may–

(i) take no action; or

(ii) take management action against the officer concerned.

(4) Where the appropriate authority determines that the conduct, if proved, would amount to gross misconduct, the matter shall be investigated.

(5) At any time before the start of misconduct proceedings, the appropriate authority may revise its assessment of the conduct under paragraph (1) if it considers it appropriate to do so.

(6) Where the appropriate authority decides under this regulation to take no action, take management action or to refer the matter to be dealt with under the Performance Regulations, it shall so notify the officer concerned in writing as soon as practicable.

Appointment of investigator

13.–(1) This regulation applies where the matter is to be investigated in accordance with regulation 12.

(2) The appropriate authority shall, subject to paragraph (3), appoint a person to investigate the matter.

(3) If the officer concerned is the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis or the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis–

(a) the appropriate authority shall notify the Secretary of State; and

(b) the Secretary of State shall appoint a person to investigate the matter.

(4) No person shall be appointed to investigate the matter under this regulation–

(a) unless he has an appropriate level of knowledge, skills and experience to plan and manage the investigation;

(b) if he is an interested party;

(c) if he works, directly or indirectly, under the management of the officer concerned; or

(d) in a case where the officer concerned is a senior officer, if he is–

(i) the chief officer of police of the police force concerned; or

(ii) a member of the same police force as the officer concerned, or where the officer concerned is a member of the metropolitan police force, serving in the same division as the officer concerned.

(5) The reference in paragraph (4)(d)(ii) to a member of the police force shall include a reference to a special constable appointed for the area of that force and a police staff member serving in that force.

Investigation

14. The purpose of the investigation is to–

(a) gather evidence to establish the facts and circumstances of the alleged misconduct or gross misconduct; and

(b) assist the appropriate authority to establish whether there is a case to answer in respect of misconduct or gross misconduct or whether there is no case to answer.

Written notices

15.–(1) The investigator shall as soon as is reasonably practicable after being appointed, and subject to paragraph (3), cause the officer concerned to be given written notice–

(a) describing the conduct that is the subject matter of the allegation and how that conduct is alleged to fall below the Standards of Professional Behaviour;

(b) of the appropriate authority´s assessment of whether that conduct, if proved, would amount to misconduct or gross misconduct;

(c) that there is to be an investigation into the matter and the identity of the investigator;

(d) of whether, if the matter were to be referred to misconduct proceedings, those would be likely to be a misconduct meeting or a misconduct hearing and the reason for this;

(e) that if the likely form of any misconduct proceedings to be held changes, further notice (with reasons) will be given;

(f) informing him that he has the right to seek advice from his staff association or any other body and of the effect of regulation 6(1);

(g) of the effect of regulations 7(1) to (3) and 16; and

(h) informing him that whilst he does not have to say anything it may harm his case if he does not mention when interviewed or when providing any information under regulations 16(1) or 22(2) or (3) something which he later relies on in any misconduct proceedings or special case hearing or at an appeal meeting or appeal hearing.

(2) If following service of the notice under paragraph (1), the appropriate authority revises its assessment of the conduct in accordance with regulation 12(5) or its determination of the likely form of any misconduct proceedings to be taken, the appropriate authority shall, as soon as practicable, give the officer concerned further written notice of–

(a) the assessment of whether the conduct, if proved, would amount to misconduct or gross misconduct as the case may be and the reason for that assessment; and

(b) whether, if the case were to be referred to misconduct proceedings, those would be likely to be a misconduct meeting or a misconduct hearing and the reason for this.

(3) The requirement to give a written notice to the officer concerned under paragraph (1) does not apply for so long as the investigator considers that giving such a notice might prejudice the investigation or any other investigation (including, in particular, a criminal investigation).

(4) Once a written notice has been given in accordance with paragraph (1), the investigator shall notify the officer concerned of the progress of the investigation–

(a) if there has been no previous notification following the supply of the written notice under paragraph (1), before the end of 4 weeks beginning with the first working day after the start of the investigation; and

(b) in any other case, before the end of 4 weeks beginning with the first working day after the previous notification.

Representations to the investigator

16.–(1) Before the end of 10 working days starting with the first working day after which the notice is given under regulation 15(1), (unless this period is extended by the investigator)–

(a) the officer concerned may provide a written or oral statement relating to any matter under investigation to the investigator; and

(b) the officer concerned or his police friend may provide any relevant documents to the investigator.

(2) The investigator shall, as part of his investigation, consider any such statement or document and shall make a record of having received it.

(3) In this regulation "relevant document"–

(a) means a document relating to any matter under investigation, and

(b) includes such a document containing suggestions as to lines of inquiry to be pursued or witnesses to be interviewed.

Interviews during investigation

17.–(1) Where an investigator wishes to interview the officer concerned as part of his investigation, he shall, if reasonably practicable, agree a date and time for the interview with the officer concerned.

(2) Where no date and time is agreed under paragraph (1), the investigator shall specify a date and time for the interview.

(3) Where a date and time is specified under paragraph (2) and–

(a) the officer concerned or his police friend will not be available at that time; and

(b) the officer concerned proposes an alternative time which satisfies subsection (4),

the interview shall be postponed to the time proposed by the officer concerned.

(4) An alternative time must–

(a) be reasonable; and

(b) fall before the end of the period of 5 working days beginning with the first working day after the day specified by the investigator.

(5) The officer concerned shall be given written notice of the date, time and place of the interview.

(6) The investigator shall, in advance of the interview, provide the officer concerned with such information as the investigator considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case to enable the officer concerned to prepare for the interview.

(7) The officer concerned shall attend the interview.

(8) A police friend may not answer any questions asked of the officer concerned during the interview.

Report of investigation

18.–(1) On completion of his investigation the investigator shall as soon as practicable submit a written report on his investigation to the appropriate authority.

(2) The written report shall–

(a) provide an accurate summary of the evidence;

(b) attach or refer to any relevant documents; and

(c) indicate the investigator´s opinion as to whether there is a case to answer in respect of misconduct or gross misconduct or whether there is no case to answer.

(3) If at any time during his investigation the investigator believes that the appropriate authority would, on consideration of the matter, be likely to determine that the special conditions are satisfied, he shall, whether or not the investigation is complete, submit to the appropriate authority–

(a) a statement of his belief and the grounds for it; and

(b) a written report on his investigation to that point.

PART 4 Misconduct Proceedings

Referral of case to misconduct proceedings

19.–(1) Subject to regulation 41 and paragraph (6)–

(a) on receipt of the investigator´s written report; and

(b) in the case of such a report submitted under paragraph 22 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (final reports on investigations), in making a determination under paragraph 23(7) or 24(6) of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (action in response to an investigation report) as to what action to take in respect of matters dealt with in that report,

the appropriate authority shall, as soon as practicable, determine whether the officer concerned has a case to answer in respect of misconduct or gross misconduct or whether there is no case to answer.

(2) Subject to paragraph (6), in a case where the disciplinary proceedings have been delayed by virtue of regulation 9(3), as soon as practicable after the appropriate authority considers that such proceedings would no longer prejudice any criminal proceedings, it shall, subject to regulation 41(3), make a further determination as to whether the officer concerned has a case to answer in respect of misconduct or gross misconduct or whether there is no case to answer.

(3) Where the appropriate authority determines there is no case to answer, it may–

(a) take no further disciplinary action against the officer concerned;

(b) take management action against the officer concerned; or

(c) refer the matter to be dealt with under the Performance Regulations.

(4) Where the appropriate authority determines that there is a case to answer in respect of gross misconduct, it shall, subject to regulation 9(3) and paragraph (2), refer the case to a misconduct hearing.

(5) Where the appropriate authority determines that there is a case to answer in respect of misconduct, it may–

(a) subject to regulation 9(3) and paragraph (2), refer the case to misconduct proceedings; or

(b) take management action against the officer concerned.

(6) Where the appropriate authority–

(a) accepts a recommendation under paragraph 27(3) of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings) that proceedings are brought at a misconduct meeting or a misconduct hearing; or

(b) has a duty under paragraph 27(4) (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings) of that Schedule to comply with a direction to give effect to such a recommendation,

it shall, subject to regulation 9(3), refer the case to such a meeting or hearing.

(7) Where the appropriate authority fails to–

(a) make the determination referred to in paragraph (1); and

(b) where appropriate, decide what action to take under paragraph (5),

before the end of 15 working days beginning with the first working day after receipt of the investigator´s written report, it shall notify the officer concerned of the reason for this.

(8) Where under paragraph (5) the appropriate authority determines to take management action, it shall give the officer concerned written notice of this as soon as practicable.

(9) Where the appropriate authority determines under paragraph (5) to refer the case to misconduct proceedings–

(a) where the officer concerned had a final written warning in force at the date of the assessment of conduct under regulation 12(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations(12) (as the case may be), those proceedings shall be a misconduct hearing;

(b) where the officer concerned has been reduced in rank under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 less than 18 months prior to the assessment of conduct under regulation 12(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations (as the case may be), those proceedings shall be a misconduct hearing; and

(c) in all other cases those proceedings shall be a misconduct meeting.

Withdrawal of case

20.–(1) Subject to paragraph (3), at any time before the beginning of the misconduct proceedings, the appropriate authority may direct that the case be withdrawn.

(2) Where a direction is given under paragraph (1)–

(a) the appropriate authority may–

(i) take no further action against the officer concerned;

(ii) take management action against the officer concerned; or

(iii) refer the matter to be dealt with under the Performance Regulations; and

(b) the appropriate authority shall as soon as practicable give the officer concerned–

(i) written notice of the direction, indicating whether any action will be taken under paragraph (2)(a); and

(ii) where the investigation has been completed, on request and subject to the harm test, a copy of the investigator´s report or such parts of that report as relate to the officer concerned.

(3) This regulation shall not apply to a case to which paragraph 16, 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations) applies.

Notice of referral to misconduct proceedings and panel membership

21.–(1) Where a case is referred to misconduct proceedings, the appropriate authority shall as soon as practicable give the officer concerned–

(a) written notice of–

(i) the referral;

(ii) the conduct that is the subject matter of the case and how that conduct is alleged to amount to misconduct or gross misconduct as the case may be;

(iii) the name of the person appointed to (in the case of a misconduct meeting for an officer other than a senior officer) conduct or (in any other case) chair the misconduct proceedings and of the effect of paragraphs (3) to (6) of this regulation; and

(iv) the effect of regulation 7(1) to (3) in relation to the form of misconduct proceedings to which the case is being referred;

(b) a copy of any statement he may have made to the investigator during the course of the investigation; and

(c) subject to the harm test, a copy of –

(i) the investigator´s report or such parts of that report as relate to him (together with any document attached to or referred to in that report as relates to him); and

(ii) any other relevant document gathered during the course of the investigation.

(2) As soon as practicable after–

(a) any person has been appointed under regulation 7(5) to advise the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings; and

(b) where the misconduct proceedings are to be conducted by a panel, the person or persons comprising that panel (other than the chair) have been determined,

the appropriate authority shall give the officer concerned written notice of the names of such persons and of the effect of paragraphs (3) to (6) of this regulation.

(3) The officer concerned may object to any person whom he is notified under this regulation is to–

(a) conduct (including chair) his misconduct proceedings; or

(b) advise the person or persons conducting those proceedings.

(4) Any such objection must be made in writing to the appropriate authority before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after the officer concerned is given notice of the person´s name and must set out the grounds of objection of the officer concerned.

(5) The appropriate authority shall notify the officer concerned in writing whether it upholds or rejects an objection to any panel member or to any person appointed under regulation 7(5) to advise the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings.

(6) If the appropriate authority upholds the objection, the person to whom the officer concerned objects shall be replaced (in accordance with regulations 7(5) and (6) or 25 to 27 as appropriate).

(7) As soon as reasonably practicable after any such appointment, the appropriate authority shall notify in writing the officer concerned of the name of the new panel member, or the adviser to the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings, as the case may be.

(8) The officer concerned may object to the appointment of a person appointed under paragraph (6).

(9) Any such objection must be made in accordance with paragraph (4), provided that it must be made before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after receipt of the notification referred to in paragraph (7); and the appropriate authority shall comply with paragraphs (5) to (7) in relation to that objection.

(10) In this regulation "relevant document" means a document which, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, is relevant to the case the officer concerned has to answer.

Procedure on receipt of notice

22.–(1) Before the end of–

(a) 14 working days beginning with the first working day after the documents have been supplied to the officer concerned under regulation 21(1); or

(b) where that period is extended by the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings for exceptional circumstances, such extended period,

the officer concerned shall comply with paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) The officer concerned shall provide to the appropriate authority–

(a) written notice of whether or not he accepts that his conduct amounts to misconduct or gross misconduct as the case may be;

(b) where he accepts that his conduct amounts to misconduct or gross misconduct as the case may be, any written submission he wishes to make in mitigation; and

(c) where he does not accept that his conduct amounts to misconduct or gross misconduct as the case may be, or he disputes part of the case against him, written notice of–

(i) the allegations he disputes and his account of the relevant events; and

(ii) any arguments on points of law he wishes to be considered by the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings.

(3) The officer concerned shall provide the appropriate authority with a copy of any document he intends to rely on at the misconduct proceedings.

(4) Before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after the date on which the officer concerned has complied with paragraph (2), the appropriate authority and the officer concerned shall each supply to the other a list of proposed witnesses or give notice that they do not have any proposed witnesses; and any list of proposed witnesses shall include brief details of the evidence that each witness is able to adduce and their address.

(5) Where there are proposed witnesses, the officer concerned shall, if reasonably practicable, agree a list of proposed witnesses with the appropriate authority.

Witnesses

23.–(1) As soon as practicable after any list of proposed witnesses has been–

(a) agreed under regulation 22(5); or

(b) where there is no agreement under regulation 22(4), supplied under regulation 22(4),

the appropriate authority shall supply that list to the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings.

(2) The person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings shall–

(a) consider the list or lists of proposed witnesses; and

(b) subject to paragraph (3), determine which, if any, witnesses should attend the misconduct proceedings.

(3) No witness shall give evidence at misconduct proceedings unless the person conducting or chairing those proceedings reasonably believes that it is necessary for the witness to do so in the interests of justice, in which case he shall–

(a) where the witness is a police officer, cause that person to be ordered to attend the misconduct proceedings; and

(b) in any other case, cause the witness to be given notice that his attendance is necessary and of the date, time and place of the proceedings.

Timing and notice of misconduct proceedings

24.–(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (6), the misconduct proceedings shall take place–

(a) in the case of a misconduct meeting, before the end of 20 working days; or

(b) in the case of a misconduct hearing, before the end of 30 working days,

beginning with the first working day after the documents have been supplied to the officer concerned under regulation 21(1).

(2) The person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings may extend the period specified in paragraph (1) where he considers that it would be in the interests of justice to do so.

(3) Where the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings decides to extend the period under paragraph (2), or decides not to do so following representations from the officer concerned or the appropriate authority, he shall provide written notification of his reasons for that decision to the appropriate authority and the officer concerned.

(4) The person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings shall, if reasonably practicable, agree a date and time for the misconduct proceedings with the officer concerned.

(5) Where no date and time is agreed under paragraph (4), the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings shall specify a date and time for those proceedings.

(6) Where a date and time is specified under paragraph (5) and–

(a) the officer concerned or his police friend will not be available at that time; and

(b) the officer concerned proposes an alternative time which satisfies subsection (7),

the misconduct proceedings shall be postponed to the time proposed by the officer concerned.

(7) An alternative time must–

(a) be reasonable; and

(b) fall before the end of 5 working days beginning with the first working day after the day specified by the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings.

(8) The officer concerned shall be given written notice of the date, time and place of the misconduct proceedings.

Persons conducting misconduct proceedings: officers other than senior officers

25.–(1) This regulation applies where the officer concerned is an officer other than a senior officer.

(2) The misconduct meeting shall be conducted by a person appointed by the appropriate authority who is not an interested party and who satisfies paragraph (3).

(3) The person shall–

(a) where–

(i) the officer concerned is a member of a police force, be another member of a police force of at least one rank higher than the officer concerned;

(ii) the officer concerned is a special constable, be a member of a police force of the rank of sergeant or above or a senior human resources professional; or

(b) unless the case substantially involves operational policing matters, be a police staff member who, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, is more senior than the officer concerned.

(4) Where the case is referred to a misconduct hearing, that hearing shall be conducted by a panel of three persons appointed by the appropriate authority, comprising–

(a) a senior officer or a senior human resources professional, who shall be the chair;

(b) where–

(i) the chair is a senior officer, a member of a police force of the rank of superintendent or above or a human resources professional;

(ii) the chair is a senior human resources professional, a member of a police force of the rank of superintendent or above; and

(c) a person selected by the appropriate authority from a list of candidates maintained by a police authority for the purposes of these Regulations.

(5) For the purposes of this regulation, a "senior human resources professional" means a human resources professional who, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, has sufficient seniority, skills and experience to conduct the misconduct hearing or misconduct meeting as the case may be.

Persons conducting misconduct proceedings: chief constables etc.

26.–(1) Where the officer concerned is–

(a) a chief constable;

(b) in the case of the metropolitan police force–

(i) the commissioner;

(ii) the deputy commissioner; or

(iii) an assistant commissioner; or

(c) in the case of the City of London police force, the commissioner,

the misconduct proceedings shall be conducted by a panel of persons as specified in paragraph (2) or (3) as appropriate, appointed by the appropriate authority.

(2) For a misconduct meeting, those persons are–

(a) the chair of the police authority for the police force concerned, or another member of that police authority nominated by him, who shall chair the meeting; and

(b) HMCIC or an inspector of constabulary nominated by him.

(3) For a misconduct hearing, those persons are–

(a) a barrister selected by the appropriate authority from a list of candidates nominated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of these Regulations, who shall be the chair;

(b) the chair of the police authority for the police force concerned, or another member of that police authority nominated by him;

(c) HMCIC or an inspector of constabulary nominated by him; and

(d) a person selected by the appropriate authority from a list of candidates maintained by a police authority for the purposes of these Regulations.

Persons conducting misconduct proceedings: other senior officers

27.–(1) Where the officer concerned is a senior officer other than one mentioned in regulation 26(1), the misconduct proceedings shall be conducted by a panel of persons as specified in paragraph (2) or (3) as appropriate, appointed by the appropriate authority.

(2) For a misconduct meeting, those persons are–

(a)(i) where the officer concerned is a member of the Metropolitan Police Force, an assistant commissioner or a senior officer of at least one rank above that of the officer concerned nominated by an assistant commissioner, who shall be the chair; or

(ii) where the officer concerned is a member of the City of London police, the commissioner or a senior officer of at least one rank above that of the officer concerned nominated by the commissioner, who shall be the chair; or

(iii) in any other case, the chief officer of police of the police force concerned or a senior officer of at least one rank above that of the officer concerned nominated by that chief officer of police, who shall be the chair; and

(b) the chair of the police authority for the police force concerned or another member of that police authority nominated by him.

(3) For a misconduct hearing, those persons are–

(a) HMCIC or an inspector of constabulary nominated by him, who shall be the chair;

(b) the chief officer of police of the police force concerned or a senior officer of at least one rank above that of the officer concerned nominated by that chief officer of police;

(c) the chair of the police authority for the police force concerned or another member of that police authority nominated by him; and

(d) a person selected by the appropriate authority from a list of candidates maintained by a police authority for the purposes of these Regulations.

Documents to be supplied

28.–(1) Prior to the misconduct proceedings the appropriate authority shall supply the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings with a copy of–

(a) the documents given to the officer concerned under regulation 21(1)(a) to (c)(ii);

(b) the documents provided by the officer concerned under–

(i) regulation 22(2) and (3); and

(ii) where paragraph (2) applies, regulation 45; and

(c) where the officer concerned does not accept that his conduct amounts to misconduct or gross misconduct as the case may be or where he disputes any part of the case against him, any other documents that, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, should be considered at the misconduct proceedings.

(2) This paragraph applies where the appropriate authority has directed, in accordance with regulation 42(1), that the case be dealt with under this Part.

(3) Prior to the misconduct proceedings the officer concerned shall be supplied with a list of the documents supplied under paragraph (1) and a copy of any such document of which he has not already been supplied with a copy.

Attendance of officer concerned at misconduct proceedings

29.–(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the officer concerned shall attend the misconduct proceedings.

(2) Where the officer concerned informs the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings in advance that he is unable to attend on grounds which the person conducting or chairing those proceedings considers reasonable, that person may allow the officer concerned to participate in the proceedings by video link or other means.

(3) Where the officer concerned is allowed to and does so participate in the misconduct proceedings or where the officer concerned does not attend the misconduct proceedings–

(a) he may nonetheless be represented at those proceedings by his–

(i) police friend; or

(ii) in the case of a misconduct hearing, his relevant lawyer (in which case the police friend may also attend); and

(b) the proceedings may be proceeded with and concluded in the absence of the officer concerned whether or not he is so represented.

(4) Where the officer concerned is represented in accordance with paragraph (3), the person representing the officer concerned or his police friend (if different), or both, may participate using the video link or other means where such means are also used by the officer concerned.

Participation of Commission and investigator at misconduct proceedings

30.–(1) In any case where–

(a) paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (managed and independent investigations) applied; or

(b) paragraph 16 or 17 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations by the appropriate authority or supervised investigations) applied and the Commission–

(i) made a recommendation under paragraph 27(3) of that Schedule (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings) which the appropriate authority accepted; or

(ii) gave a direction under paragraph 27(4)(a) of that Schedule (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings),

the Commission may attend the misconduct proceedings to make representations.

(2) Where the Commission so attends the misconduct proceedings–

(a) if it is a misconduct hearing it may instruct a relevant lawyer to represent it;

(b) it shall notify the complainant or any interested person prior to those proceedings; and

(c) the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings shall notify the officer concerned prior to the those proceedings.

(3) The investigator or a nominated person shall attend the misconduct proceedings on the request of the person conducting or chairing those proceedings to answer questions.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, a "nominated person" is a person who, in the opinion of–

(a) the appropriate authority; or

(b) in a case to which paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (managed and independent investigations) applied, the Commission,

has sufficient knowledge of the investigation of the case to be able to assist the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings.

Attendance of complainant or interested person at misconduct proceedings

31.–(1) This regulation shall apply in the case of misconduct proceedings arising from–

(a) a conduct matter to which paragraph 16, 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations) applied; or

(b) the investigation of a complaint which was certified as subject to special requirements under paragraph 19B(1)(13) of that Schedule (assessment of seriousness of conduct).

(2) The appropriate authority shall notify the complainant or any interested person of the date, time and place of the misconduct proceedings.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, regulation 33 and any conditions imposed under regulation 32(8), the complainant or any interested person may attend the misconduct proceedings as an observer up to but not including the point at which the person conducting or chairing those proceedings considers the question of disciplinary action.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), regulation 33 and any conditions imposed under regulation 32(8), a complainant or interested person may be accompanied by one other person, and if the complainant or interested person has a special need, by one further person to accommodate that need.

(5) Where a complainant or interested person, or any person accompanying him, is to give evidence as a witness at the misconduct proceedings, he and any person allowed to accompany him shall not be allowed to attend the proceedings before he gives his evidence.

(6) The person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings may, at his discretion, put any questions to the officer concerned that the complainant or interested person may request be put to him.

(7) For the purposes of this regulation, a person has a special need if, in the opinion of the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings, he has a disability or learning difficulty, or does not have sufficient knowledge of English, to fully participate in or understand the misconduct proceedings.

Attendance of others at misconduct proceedings

32.–(1) Subject to regulation 31 and the provisions of this regulation, the misconduct proceedings shall be in private.

(2) A person nominated by the Commission may, as an observer, attend misconduct proceedings which arise from a case to which–

(a) paragraph 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (supervised, managed and independent investigations) applied; or

(b) paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations by the appropriate authority) applied and in relation to which the Commission–

(i) made a recommendation under paragraph 27(3) of that Schedule (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings) which the appropriate authority accepted; or

(ii) gave a direction under paragraph 27(4)(a) of that Schedule (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings).

(3) Subject to any contrary decision by the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings, a witness other than a complainant, interested person or the officer concerned, shall only attend the misconduct proceedings for the purpose of giving their evidence.

(4) The person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings may, at his discretion, permit a witness in the misconduct proceedings to be accompanied at those proceedings by one other person.

(5) Where a misconduct hearing arises from a case to which paragraph 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations by the Commission) applied and the Commission considers that because of the gravity of the case or other exceptional circumstances it would be in the public interest to do so, the Commission may, having consulted with–

(a) the appropriate authority;

(b) the officer concerned;

(c) the complainant or interested person; and

(d) any witnesses,

direct that the whole or part of the misconduct hearing be held in public.

(6) It shall be the duty of the persons conducting the misconduct hearing to comply with a direction given under paragraph (5).

(7) A direction under paragraph (5), together with the reasons for it, shall be notified as soon as practicable, and in any event before the end of 5 working days beginning with the first working day after the decision was taken, to the persons consulted under that paragraph.

(8) The person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings may impose such conditions as he sees fit relating to the attendance under regulation 31 or this regulation of persons at the misconduct proceedings (including circumstances in which they may be excluded) in order to facilitate the proper conduct of the proceedings.

Exclusion from misconduct proceedings

33. Where it appears to the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings that any person may, in giving evidence, disclose information which, under the harm test, ought not to be disclosed to any person attending the proceedings, he shall require such attendees to withdraw while the evidence is given.

Procedure at misconduct proceedings

34.–(1) Subject to these Regulations, the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings shall determine the procedure at those proceedings.

(2) The misconduct proceedings shall not proceed unless the officer concerned has been notified of the effect of regulation 7(1) to (3) in relation to the form of misconduct proceedings taking place.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings may from time to time adjourn the proceedings if it appears to him to be necessary or expedient to do so.

(4) The misconduct proceedings shall not, except in exceptional circumstances, be adjourned solely to allow the complainant or any witness or interested person to attend.

(5) The person representing the officer concerned may–

(a) address the proceedings in order to do any or all of the following–

(i) put the case of the officer concerned;

(ii) sum up that case;

(iii) respond on behalf of the officer concerned to any view expressed at the proceedings;

(iv) make representations concerning any aspect of proceedings under these Regulations; and

(v) subject to paragraph (8), ask questions of any witnesses; and

(b) confer with the officer concerned.

(6) Where (at a misconduct hearing) the person representing the officer concerned is a relevant lawyer, the police friend of the officer concerned may also confer with the officer concerned.

(7) The police friend or relevant lawyer of the officer concerned may not answer any questions asked of the officer concerned during the misconduct proceedings.

(8) Whether any question should or should not be put to a witness shall be determined by the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings.

(9) The person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings may allow any document to be considered at those proceedings notwithstanding that a copy of it has not been supplied–

(a) by the officer concerned to the appropriate authority in accordance with regulation 22(3); or

(b) to the officer concerned in accordance with regulation 21(1).

(10) Where evidence is given or considered at the misconduct proceedings that the officer concerned–

(a) on being questioned by an investigator at any time after he was given written notice under regulation 15(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations; or

(b) in submitting any information or by not submitting any information at all under paragraph 19C of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act or regulation 16(1) or 22(2) or (3) (or, where paragraph (11) applies, regulation 45),

failed to mention any fact relied on in his case at the misconduct proceedings, being a fact which in the circumstances existing at the time, the officer concerned could reasonably have been expected to mention when so questioned or when providing such information, paragraph (12) applies.

(11) This paragraph applies where the appropriate authority has directed, in accordance with regulation 42(1), that the case be dealt with under this Part.

(12) Where this paragraph applies, the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings may draw such inferences from the failure as appear proper.

(13) The person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings shall review the facts of the case and decide whether the conduct of the officer concerned amounts–

(a) in the case of a misconduct meeting, to misconduct or not; or

(b) in the case of a misconduct hearing, to misconduct, gross misconduct or neither.

(14) The person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings shall not find that the conduct of the officer concerned amounts to misconduct or gross misconduct unless–

(a) he is or they are satisfied on the balance of probabilities that this is the case; or

(b) the officer concerned admits it is the case.

(15) At misconduct proceedings conducted by a panel, any decision shall be based on a majority (with, where there is a panel of two or four, the chair having the casting vote if necessary) but shall not indicate whether it was taken unanimously or by a majority.

Outcome of misconduct proceedings

35.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings may–

(a) impose any of the disciplinary action in paragraph (2)(a) or (b) or (6)(b) as appropriate; or

(b) where he or they find the conduct amounts to misconduct but not gross misconduct following a misconduct meeting or hearing, record a finding of misconduct but take no further action.

(2) The disciplinary action is–

(a) at a misconduct meeting–

(i) management advice;

(ii) written warning; or

(iii) final written warning;

(b) at a misconduct hearing–

(i) management advice;

(ii) written warning;

(iii) final written warning;

(iv) dismissal with notice; or

(v) dismissal without notice.

(3) The disciplinary action referred to in paragraph (2) shall have effect from the date on which it is notified to the officer concerned and in the case of dismissal with notice, the person or persons conducting the misconduct hearing shall decide the period of notice to be given, subject to a minimum period of 28 days.

(4) Where the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings finds that the conduct of the officer concerned amounts to misconduct but not gross misconduct following a misconduct hearing, unless the officer concerned had a final written warning in force on the date of the assessment of the conduct under regulation 12(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations (as the case may be), the officer concerned may not be dismissed whether with or without notice.

(5) Where the officer concerned had a written warning in force on the date of the assessment of the conduct under regulation 12(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations (as the case may be), a written warning shall not be given.

(6) Where the officer concerned had a final written warning in force on the date of the assessment of the conduct under regulation 12(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations (as the case may be)–

(a) neither a written warning nor a final written warning shall be given; but

(b) subject to paragraph (8), in exceptional circumstances, the final written warning may be extended.

(7) Where a final written warning is extended under paragraph (6)(b), that warning shall remain in force for a period of 18 months from the date on which it would otherwise expire.

(8) A final written warning may be extended on one occasion only.

(9) Where there is a finding of gross misconduct and the persons conducting the misconduct hearing decide that the officer concerned shall be dismissed, the dismissal shall be without notice.

(10) Where the question of disciplinary action is being considered, the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings–

(a) shall have regard to the record of police service of the officer concerned as shown on his personal record;

(b) may receive evidence from any witness whose evidence would, in his or their opinion, assist him or them in determining the question; and

(c) shall give–

(i) the officer concerned, his police friend or, at a misconduct hearing, his relevant lawyer; and

(ii) the appropriate authority or person appointed to represent the appropriate authority in accordance with regulation 7(4);

an opportunity to make oral or written representations before any such question is determined.

Notification of outcome

36.–(1) The officer concerned shall be informed of–

(a) the finding of the person or persons conducting the misconduct proceedings; and

(b) any disciplinary action imposed,

as soon as practicable and in any event shall be provided with written notice of these matters and a summary of the reasons before the end of 5 working days beginning with the first working day after the conclusion of the misconduct proceedings.

(2) Where there was a finding of misconduct or gross misconduct a written notice under this regulation shall include–

(a) where the officer concerned is an officer other than a senior officer–

(i) if the case was decided at a misconduct meeting, notice of his right of appeal under regulation 38; or

(ii) if the case was decided at a misconduct hearing, notice of his right of appeal to a police appeals tribunal;

(b) where the officer concerned is a senior officer, notice of his right of appeal to a police appeals tribunal.

(3) In all cases referred to in paragraph (2) a written notice under this regulation shall include the name of the person to whom an appeal should be sent.

Record of misconduct proceedings

37.–(1) A record of the misconduct proceedings shall be taken and in the case of a misconduct hearing that record shall be verbatim.

(2) The officer concerned shall, on request, be supplied with a copy of the record of the proceedings at the misconduct proceedings.

Appeal from misconduct meeting: officers other than senior officers

38.–(1) Where the officer concerned is an officer, other than a senior officer, whose case was decided at a misconduct meeting, he may, subject to the provisions of this regulation, appeal–

(a) if he admitted his conduct amounted to misconduct, against any disciplinary action imposed under regulation 35; or

(b) if (after he denied misconduct) the person conducting the misconduct meeting found that his conduct amounted to misconduct, against that finding or any disciplinary action imposed under regulation 35.

(2) The only grounds of appeal under this regulation are that–

(a) the finding or disciplinary action imposed was unreasonable;

(b) there is evidence that could not reasonably have been considered at the misconduct meeting which could have materially affected the finding or decision on disciplinary action; or

(c) there was a serious breach of the procedures set out in these Regulations or other unfairness which could have materially affected the finding or decision on disciplinary action.

(3) An appeal under this regulation shall be commenced by the officer concerned giving written notice of appeal to the appropriate authority–

(a) before the end of 7 working days beginning with the first working day after the written notice and summary of reasons is given under regulation 36 (unless this period is extended by the appropriate authority for exceptional circumstances); and

(b) stating the grounds of appeal and whether a meeting is requested.

(4) An appeal under this regulation shall be determined–

(a) where the person who conducted the misconduct meeting was a member of a police force, by–

(i) a member of a police force of at least one rank higher than that person; or

(ii) unless the case substantially involves operational policing matters, a police staff member who, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, is more senior than that person;

(b) where the person who conducted the misconduct meeting was a police staff member, by–

(i) a member of a police force who, in the opinion of the appropriate authority is more senior than that person; or

(ii) a more senior police staff member,

who is not an interested party, appointed by the appropriate authority.

(5) The appropriate authority shall as soon as practicable give the officer concerned written notice of–

(a) the name of the person appointed to determine the appeal under paragraph (4);

(b) the name of any person appointed under regulation 7(5) to advise the person determining the appeal; and

(c) the effect of paragraphs (6) to (9) of this regulation.

(6) The officer concerned may object to any person whom he is notified under this regulation is to–

(a) determine the appeal; or

(b) advise the person determining the appeal.

(7) Any such objection must be made in writing to the appropriate authority before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after the officer concerned is given notice of the person´s name and must set out the grounds of objection of the officer concerned.

(8) The appropriate authority shall notify the officer concerned in writing whether it upholds or rejects an objection to the person appointed to conduct the appeal meeting or to any person appointed under regulation 7(5) to advise the person conducting the appeal meeting.

(9) If the appropriate authority upholds the objection, the person to whom the officer concerned objects shall be replaced (in accordance with regulation 7(5) or (6) or paragraph (4) as appropriate).

(10) As soon as reasonably practicable after any such appointment, the appropriate authority shall notify in writing the officer concerned of the name of the new person appointed to determine the appeal or the advisor to the person determining the appeal as the case may be.

(11) The officer concerned may object to the appointment of a person appointed under regulation (9).

(12) Any such objection must be made in accordance with paragraph (7), provided that it must be made before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after the officer concerned is given the notice referred to in paragraph (10); and the appropriate authority shall comply with paragraphs (8) to (10) in relation to that objection.

Appeal meeting

39.–(1) This regulation applies where the officer concerned requests a meeting in his written notice of appeal under regulation 38(3).

(2) The person determining the appeal shall determine whether the notice of appeal sets out arguable grounds of appeal and–

(a) if he determines that it does he shall hold an appeal meeting with the officer concerned, subject to paragraphs (3) and (5), before the end of 5 working days beginning with the first working day after that determination; and

(b) if he determines that it does not, he shall dismiss the appeal.

(3) The person determining the appeal may extend the time period specified in paragraph (2)(a) where he considers that it would be in the interests of justice to do so.

(4) The person determining the appeal shall specify a date and time for the appeal meeting.

(5) Where–

(a) the officer concerned or his police friend will not be available at that time; and

(b) the officer concerned proposes an alternative time which satisfies subsection (6),

the appeal meeting shall be postponed to the time proposed by the officer concerned.

(6) An alternative time must–

(a) be reasonable; and

(b) fall before the end of 5 working days beginning with the first working day after the day specified by the person determining the appeal.

(7) Written notice of the date, time and place of the appeal meeting shall be given to–

(a) the officer concerned;

(b) where the misconduct meeting arose from a complaint which was certified as subject to special requirements under paragraph 19B(1) of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (assessment of seriousness of conduct), the complainant; and

(c) where the misconduct meeting arose from a conduct matter to which paragraph 16, 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations) applied, any interested person.

(8) Prior to the appeal meeting the appropriate authority shall supply the person determining the appeal with a copy of–

(a) the documents given to the person who held the misconduct meeting as specified in regulation 28(1);

(b) the notice of appeal given by the officer concerned under regulation 38(3);

(c) the record of the misconduct meeting taken under regulation 37(1); and

(d) any evidence of a kind referred to in regulation 38(2)(b) that the officer concerned wishes to submit in support of his appeal.

Procedure and finding of the appeal

40.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, the person determining the appeal shall determine the procedure at the appeal meeting.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), any interested person or complainant given notice of the appeal meeting under regulation 39(7) may attend the appeal meeting as an observer up to but not including the point at which the person determining the appeal considers the question of disciplinary action.

(3) The person determining the appeal may impose such conditions as he sees fit relating to the attendance of persons under paragraph (2) at the appeal meeting (including circumstances in which they may be excluded) in order to facilitate the proper conduct of the appeal meeting.

(4) The person determining the appeal may–

(a) confirm or reverse the decision appealed against;

(b) deal with the officer concerned in any manner in which the person conducting the misconduct meeting could have dealt with him under regulation 35.

(5) Before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after the determination of the appeal, the officer concerned shall be given written notice of that determination with a summary of the reasons.

(6) The decision of the person determining the appeal shall take effect by way of substitution for the decision of the person conducting the misconduct meeting and as from the date of the written notice of the outcome of that meeting.

(7) In a case where–

(a) paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act applied (managed and independent investigations); or

(b) paragraph 16 or 17 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigation by appropriate authority and supervised investigations) applied and the Commission–

(i) made a recommendation under paragraph 27(3) of that Schedule (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings) which the appropriate authority accepted; or

(ii) gave a direction to the appropriate authority under paragraph 27(4) of that Schedule (duties with respect to disciplinary proceedings),

the appropriate authority shall give the Commission written notice of the determination of the appeal with a summary of the reasons.

PART 5 Fast track procedure for special cases

Referral of case to special case hearing

41.–(1) On receipt of a statement submitted by the investigator under regulation 18(3), the appropriate authority shall determine whether the special conditions are satisfied.

(2) In a case where special case proceedings have been delayed by virtue of regulation 9(3), as soon as practicable after the appropriate authority considers that such proceedings would no longer prejudice any criminal proceedings, it shall make a further determination as to whether the special conditions are satisfied.

(3) In a case where disciplinary proceedings have been delayed by virtue of regulation 9(3), the appropriate authority may, as soon as practicable after it considers that such proceedings would no longer prejudice any criminal proceedings, determine whether the special conditions are satisfied.

(4) Where the appropriate authority determines that the special conditions are satisfied, unless it considers that the circumstances are such as to make it inappropriate to do so, it shall certify the case as a special case and, subject to regulation 9(3) and paragraph (2), refer it to a special case hearing.

(5) Where the appropriate authority determines–

(a) that the special conditions are not satisfied; or

(b) that, although those conditions are satisfied, the circumstances are such as to make such certification inappropriate,

it shall, if the investigation was incomplete, return the case to the investigator to complete the investigation or, in any other case, proceed in accordance with Part 4.

(6) Where the appropriate authority is to proceed in accordance with Part 4, regulation 19(1) shall be read as if the following are omitted–

(a) the words "regulation 41 and"; and

(b) sub-paragraphs (a) and (b).

Remission of case

42.–(1) Subject to paragraph (4), at any time after the case has been referred to a special case hearing but before the beginning of that hearing the appropriate authority may direct that the case be dealt with under Part 4 if it considers that the special conditions are no longer satisfied.

(2) Where a direction is made under paragraph (1) the officer concerned shall be notified before the end of 3 working days beginning with the first working day after that direction is made and the appropriate authority shall proceed in accordance with Part 4.

(3) Where the appropriate authority is to proceed in accordance with Part 4, regulation 19(1) shall be read as if the following are omitted–

(a) the words "regulation 41 and"; and

(b) sub-paragraphs (a) and (b).

(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a case where the Commission has given a direction under paragraph 20H(7) of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act(14) (special cases: recommendation or direction of Commission).

Notice of referral to special case hearing

43.–(1) Where a case is certified as a special case and referred to a special case hearing, the appropriate authority shall as soon as practicable give the officer concerned written notice of these matters and shall supply him with a copy of–

(a) the certificate issued under regulation 41(4);

(b) any statement he may have made to the investigator during the course of the investigation; and

(c) subject to the harm test–

(i) the investigator´s report or such parts of that report as relate to him (together with any document attached to or referred to in that report as relates to him); and

(ii) any other relevant document gathered during the course of the investigation.

(2) The notice given under paragraph (1) shall describe the conduct that is the subject matter of the case and how that conduct is alleged to amount to gross misconduct.

(3) For the purposes of this regulation "relevant document" means a document which, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, is relevant to the case of the officer concerned.

Notice of special case hearing

44. The appropriate authority shall specify a date for the special case hearing which shall be not less than 10 and not more than 15 working days after the date on which notice is given under regulation 43(1) and shall immediately notify the officer concerned of–

(a) the date, time and place of that hearing; and

(b) the effect of regulation 7(1) to (3) in relation to a special case hearing.

Procedure on receipt of notice

45.–(1) Before the end of 7 working days beginning with the first working day after the written notice given to the officer concerned under regulation 43(1), the officer concerned shall provide to the appropriate authority–

(a) written notice of whether or not he accepts that his conduct amounts to gross misconduct;

(b) where he accepts that his conduct amounts to gross misconduct, any written submission he wishes to make in mitigation;

(c) where he does not accept that his conduct amounts to gross misconduct, written notice of–

(i) the allegations he disputes and his account of the relevant events; and

(ii) any arguments on points of law he wishes to be considered by the person or persons conducting the special case hearing.

(2) Within the same time period, the officer concerned shall provide the appropriate authority with a copy of any document he intends to rely on at the hearing.

Person conducting special case hearing: officers other than senior officers

46.–(1) This regulation applies where the officer concerned is an officer other than a senior officer.

(2) The special case hearing shall be conducted by–

(a) where the police force concerned is the metropolitan police force, an assistant commissioner; or

(b) in any other case, subject to paragraph (3), the chief officer of police of the police force concerned.

(3) Where the chief officer of police of the police force concerned is an interested party or is unavailable, the special case hearing shall be conducted by the chief officer of police of another police force or an assistant commissioner of the metropolitan police force.

Persons conducting special case hearing: chief constables etc.

47.–(1) This regulation applies where the officer concerned is–

(a) a chief constable;

(b) in the case of the metropolitan police force–

(i) the commissioner;

(ii) the deputy commissioner; or

(iii) an assistant commissioner; or

(c) in the case of the City of London police force, the commissioner.

(2) The special case hearing shall be conducted by a panel of four persons appointed by the appropriate authority, comprising–

(a) a counsel selected by the appropriate authority from a list of candidates nominated by the Lord Chancellor for the purposes of these Regulations, who shall be the chair;

(b) the chair of the police authority for the police force concerned or another member of that police authority nominated by him;

(c) HMCIC or an inspector of constabulary nominated by him; and

(d) a person selected by the appropriate authority from a list of candidates maintained by a police authority for the purposes of these Regulations.

Persons conducting special case hearing: other senior officers

48. Where the officer concerned is a senior officer other than an officer mentioned in regulation 47(1), the special case hearing shall be conducted by a panel of four persons appointed by the appropriate authority, comprising–

(a) HMCIC or an inspector of constabulary nominated by him, who shall be the chair;

(b) the chief officer of police of the police force concerned or a senior officer of at least one rank above that of the officer concerned, nominated by that chief officer of police;

(c) the chair of the police authority for the police force concerned or another member of that police authority nominated by him; and

(d) a person selected by the appropriate authority from a list of candidates maintained by a police authority for the purposes of these Regulations.

Documents to be supplied

49.–(1) Prior to the hearing the appropriate authority shall supply the person or persons conducting the special case hearing with a copy of–

(a) the notice given to the officer concerned under regulation 43(1);

(b) the other documents given to the officer concerned under regulation 43(1)(a) to (c)(ii);

(c) the documents provided by the officer concerned under–

(i) regulation 45; and

(ii) where paragraph (2) applies, regulation 22(2) and (3);

(d) where the officer concerned does not accept that his conduct amounts to gross misconduct, any other documents that, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, should be considered at the hearing.

(2) This paragraph applies where the case was certified as a special case following a determination made under regulation 41(3).

(3) Prior to the hearing the officer concerned shall be supplied with a list of the documents supplied under paragraph (1) and a copy of any of such document of which he has not already been supplied with a copy.

Attendance of officer concerned at special case hearing

50.–(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the officer concerned shall attend the special case hearing.

(2) Where the officer concerned informs the person conducting or chairing the special case hearing in advance that he is unable to attend on grounds which the person conducting or chairing the hearing considers reasonable, that person may allow the officer concerned to participate in the hearing by video link or other means.

(3) Where the officer concerned is allowed to and does so participate in the special case hearing, or where the officer concerned does not attend the special case hearing–

(a) he may nonetheless be represented at that hearing by his–

(i) police friend; or

(ii) relevant lawyer (in which case the police friend may also attend); and

(b) the hearing may be proceeded with and concluded in the absence of the officer concerned whether or not he is so represented.

(4) Where the officer concerned is represented in accordance with paragraph (3), the person representing the officer concerned or his police friend (if different), or both, may participate using the video link or other means where such means are also used by the officer concerned.

Participation of Commission and investigator at special case hearing

51.–(1) In any case where–

(a) paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (managed and independent investigations) applied; or

(b) paragraph 16 or 17 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations by the appropriate authority and supervised investigations) applied and the Commission–

(i) made a recommendation under paragraph 20H(1) of that Schedule (special cases: recommendation or direction of Commission) which the appropriate authority accepted; or

(ii) gave a direction under paragraph 20H(7) of that Schedule (special cases: recommendation or direction of Commission),

the Commission may attend the special case hearing to make representations.

(2) Where the Commission intends to attend the special case hearing–

(a) it may instruct a relevant lawyer to represent it;

(b) it shall notify the complainant or any interested person prior to the hearing; and

(c) the person conducting or chairing the special case hearing shall notify the officer concerned prior to the hearing.

(3) The investigator or a nominated person shall attend the special case hearing on the request of the person conducting or chairing the hearing to answer questions.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, a "nominated person" is a person who, in the opinion of–

(a) the appropriate authority; or

(b) in a case to which paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (managed and independent investigations) applied, the Commission,

has sufficient knowledge of the investigation of the case to be able to assist the person or persons conducting the special case hearing.

Attendance of complainant and interested persons at special case hearing

52.–(1) This regulation shall apply in the case of a special case hearing arising from a–

(a) conduct matter to which paragraph 16, 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations) applied; or

(b) complaint which was certified as subject to special requirements under paragraph 19B(1) of that Schedule (assessment of seriousness of conduct).

(2) The appropriate authority shall notify the complainant or any interested person of the date, time and place of the special case hearing.

(3) Subject to any conditions imposed under regulation 53(3), the complainant or any interested person may–

(a) attend the special case hearing as an observer up to but not including the point at which the person conducting or chairing the hearing considers the question of disciplinary action; and

(b) be accompanied by one other person, and if the complainant or interested person has a special need, by one further person to accommodate that need.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, a person has a special need if, in the opinion of the person conducting or chairing the special case hearing, he has a disability or learning difficulty, or does not have sufficient knowledge of English, to participate in or understand the special case hearing.

Attendance of others at special case hearing

53.–(1) Subject to regulation 52 and this regulation, the special case hearing shall be in private.

(2) A person nominated by the Commission may attend a special case hearing which arises from a case to which–

(a) paragraph 17, 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (supervised, managed and independent investigations) applied; or

(b) paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (investigations by the appropriate authority) applied and in relation to which the Commission–

(i) made a recommendation under paragraph 20H(1) of that Schedule (special cases: recommendation or direction of Commission) which the appropriate authority accepted; or

(ii) gave a direction under paragraph 20H(7) of that Schedule (special cases: recommendation or direction of Commission).

(3) The person conducting or chairing the special case hearing may impose such conditions as he sees fit relating to the attendance of persons under regulation 52 or this regulation at the special case hearing (including circumstances in which they may be excluded) in order to facilitate the proper conduct of the hearing.

Procedure at special case hearing

54.–(1) Subject to these Regulations, the person conducting or chairing the special case hearing shall determine the procedure.

(2) The special case hearing shall not proceed unless the officer concerned has been notified of the effect of regulation 7(1) to (3) in relation to a special case hearing.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the person conducting or chairing the special case hearing may from time to time adjourn the hearing if it appears to him to be necessary or expedient to do so.

(4) The special case hearing shall not, except in exceptional circumstances, be adjourned solely to allow the complainant or any interested person to attend.

(5) No witnesses other than the officer concerned shall give evidence at the special case hearing.

(6) The person representing the officer concerned may–

(a) address the hearing in order to do any or all of the following–

(i) put the case of the officer concerned;

(ii) sum up that case;

(iii) respond on behalf of the officer concerned to any view expressed at the proceedings; and

(iv) make representations concerning any aspect of proceedings under these Regulations; and

(b) if the officer concerned is present at the proceedings or is participating in them by video link or other means in accordance with regulation 50(2), confer with the officer concerned.

(7) Where the person representing the officer concerned is a relevant lawyer, the police friend of the officer concerned may also confer with the officer concerned in the circumstances mentioned at paragraph (6)(b).

(8) The police friend or relevant lawyer of the officer concerned may not answer any questions asked of the officer concerned during the special case hearing.

(9) The person conducting or chairing the special case hearing may allow any document to be considered at the hearing notwithstanding that a copy of it has not been supplied–

(a) by the officer concerned to the appropriate authority in accordance with regulation 45(2); or

(b) to the officer concerned in accordance with regulation 43(1).

(10) Where evidence is given or considered at the special case hearing that the officer concerned–

(a) on being questioned by an investigator, at any time after he was given written notice under regulation 15(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations; or

(b) in submitting any information or by not submitting any information at all under regulation 45 (or, where paragraph (12) applies, paragraph 19C of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act or regulation 16(1) or 22(2) or (3)),

failed to mention any fact relied on in his case at the special case hearing, being a fact which in the circumstances existing at the time, the officer concerned could reasonably have been expected to mention when so questioned or when providing such information, paragraph (11) applies.

(11) Where this paragraph applies, the person or persons conducting the special case hearing may draw such inferences from the failure as appear proper.

(12) This paragraph applies where the case was certified as a special case following a determination made under regulation 41(3).

(13) The person or persons conducting the special case hearing shall review the facts of the case and decide whether or not the conduct of the officer concerned amounts to gross misconduct.

(14) The person or persons conducting the special case hearing shall not find that the conduct of the officer concerned amounts to gross misconduct unless–

(a) he is or they are satisfied on the balance of probabilities that this is the case; or

(b) the officer concerned admits it is the case.

(15) At a special case hearing conducted by a panel, any decision shall be based on a majority (with the chair having the casting vote if necessary), but shall not indicate whether it was taken unanimously or by a majority.

Outcome of special case hearing

55.–(1) Where the person or persons conducting the special case hearing find that the conduct of the officer concerned amounts to gross misconduct, he or they shall impose disciplinary action, which may be–

(a) subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a final written warning;

(b) extension of a final written warning in accordance with paragraph (2); or

(c) dismissal without notice.

(2) Where the officer concerned had a final written warning in force on the date of the assessment of the conduct under regulation 12(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations (as the case may be)–

(a) a final written warning shall not be given; but

(b) subject to paragraph (4), in exceptional circumstances, the final written warning may be extended.

(3) Where a final written warning is extended under paragraph (2), that warning shall remain in force for a period of 18 months from the date on which it would otherwise expire.

(4) A final written warning may be extended on one occasion only.

(5) Where the person or persons conducting the special case hearing find that the conduct of the officer concerned does not amount to gross misconduct, he or they may–

(a) dismiss the case; or

(b) return the case to the appropriate authority to deal with in accordance with Part 4 at a misconduct meeting or, if the officer concerned had a final written warning in force at the date of the assessment of conduct under regulation 12(1) of these Regulations or regulation 14A of the Complaints Regulations (as the case may be), at a misconduct hearing .

(6) Where the case is returned to the appropriate authority under paragraph (5)(b), the appropriate authority shall proceed in accordance with Part 4, subject to regulation 19(1) being read as if the following are omitted–

(a) the words "regulation 41 and"; and

(b) sub-paragraphs (a) and (b).

(7) Except in the case of extending a final written warning, the disciplinary action shall have effect from the date on which it is notified to the officer concerned.

(8) Where the question of disciplinary action is being considered, the person or persons conducting the special case hearing–

(a) shall have regard to the record of police service of the officer concerned as shown on his personal record;

(b) may consider such documentary evidence as would, in his or their opinion, assist him or them in determining the question; and

(c) shall give–

(i) the officer concerned; and

(ii) his police friend or his relevant lawyer,

an opportunity to make oral or written representations.

Notification of outcome

56.–(1) The officer concerned shall be informed of–

(a) the finding; and

(b) any disciplinary action imposed under regulation 55(1) or any action taken under regulation 55(5) as the case may be,

as soon as practicable and in any event shall be provided with written notice of these matters and a summary of the reasons before the end of 5 working days beginning with the first working day after the conclusion of the special case hearing.

(2) A written notice under this regulation shall include notice of the right of the officer concerned to an appeal hearing.

Record of special case hearing

57.–(1) A verbatim record of the proceedings at the special case hearing shall be taken.

(2) The officer concerned shall, on request, be supplied with a copy of the record of the proceedings at the special case hearing.

PART 6 Record Keeping

Record of disciplinary proceedings

58.–(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the chief officer of police of the police force concerned shall cause a record to be kept of disciplinary proceedings and special case proceedings brought against every officer concerned, together with the finding and decision on disciplinary action and the decision in any appeal by the officer concerned.

(2) Where the officer concerned is a chief officer of police, the police authority of the police force concerned shall cause such a record to be kept.

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE Standards of Professional Behaviour

Honesty and Integrity

Police officers are honest, act with integrity and do not compromise or abuse their position.

Authority, Respect and Courtesy

Police officers act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy.

Police officers do not abuse their powers or authority and respect the rights of all individuals.

Equality and Diversity

Police officers act with fairness and impartiality. They do not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly.

Use of Force

Police officers only use force to the extent that it is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in all the circumstances.

Orders and Instructions

Police officers only give and carry out lawful orders and instructions.

Police officers abide by police regulations, force policies and lawful orders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Police officers are diligent in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities.

Confidentiality

Police officers treat information with respect and access or disclose it only in the proper course of police duties.

Fitness for Duty

Police officers when on duty or presenting themselves for duty are fit to carry out their responsibilities.

Discreditable Conduct

Police officers behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence in it, whether on or off duty.

Police officers report any action taken against them for a criminal offence, any conditions imposed on them by a court or the receipt of any penalty notice.

Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct

Police officers report, challenge or take action against the conduct of colleagues which has fallen below the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations were laid before Parliament in draft as they are Regulations under section 84 of the Police Act 1996 coming into force at a time that is the earliest time at which any Regulations under section 84 are to come into force after the commencement of paragraph 7 of Schedule 22 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (see section 84(8) of the Police Act 1996).

The Regulations establish procedures for the taking of disciplinary proceedings in respect of the conduct of members of police forces and special constables ("police officers"). They apply to all police officers, although for senior officers (a police officer above the rank of chief superintendent), the persons dealing with some of the proceedings differ. For the purposes of these Regulations, special constables are treated as if they are non-senior officers regardless of their actual level of seniority. These Regulations also make provision in relation to the representation of police officers by a police friend and by a lawyer at proceedings at which the officer concerned may be dismissed.

These Regulations apply where an allegation comes to the attention of an appropriate authority (as defined in regulation 3) which indicates that the conduct of a police officer may amount to misconduct or gross misconduct (as defined in regulation 3). This includes an allegation contained within a complaint or conduct matter referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission ("IPCC") in accordance with the Police Reform Act 2002 ("the 2002 Act"), except that Part 3 of these Regulations (Investigations) does not apply in such cases as Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act deals with the investigation of such cases.

Part 1 deals with preliminary matters. Regulation 2 revokes the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 save in relation to proceedings outstanding at 1st December 2008. Regulation 3 provides definitions of terms used in these Regulations, including the -�special conditions´ which trigger the fast track procedure set out in Part 5; makes provision in relation to the delegation of the functions of a chief officer of police under these Regulations and provides that guidance may be issued under section 87(5) of the Police Act 1996 (guidance) in respect of any of the procedures in these Regulations. Regulation 4 sets out the harm test, which mirrors provisions in the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2004, placing restrictions on the disclosure of information to the officer concerned in the public interest.

Part 2 deals with general matters. Regulations 6 and 7 make provision about the role of a police friend under these Regulations and the right to legal representation. Regulation 9 provides that disciplinary or special case proceedings should proceed notwithstanding any criminal proceedings unless the appropriate authority considers they would prejudice such criminal proceedings. Regulation 10 makes provision in relation to the suspension of a police officer.

Part 3 deals with the investigation of conduct allegations other than those dealt with under Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act. Regulation 12 provides that the appropriate authority must make a preliminary assessment as to whether the conduct, if proved, would amount to misconduct, gross misconduct or neither, and sets out what action must or may be taken as a consequence of that assessment. Regulation 13 deals with the appointment of an investigator who, subject to conditions, may be a police officer, a police staff member or any other person. Regulation 14 sets out the purpose of the investigation. Regulation 15 provides for notice to be given to the officer concerned that there is to be an investigation and describes what must be set out in that notice. Regulation 16 provides that the investigator shall consider any suggestions as to lines of inquiry made by the officer concerned within the given time limit. Regulation 17 deals with interviews and regulation 18 with the investigation report.

Part 4 relates to misconduct proceedings. Regulation 19 provides that on receipt of the investigator´s report (under these Regulations or Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act) the appropriate authority must determine whether or not there is a case to answer in respect of misconduct or gross misconduct, and makes provision about the referral of a case to a misconduct meeting or misconduct hearing. Regulation 21 provides that notice must be given to the officer concerned of the referral of their case to misconduct proceedings and provides that he may object to the persons appointed to deal with his case. Regulation 22 sets out the information the officer concerned must and may provide on receipt of such notice. Regulation 23 provides that the person conducting or chairing the misconduct proceedings will decide whether any witnesses will attend the proceedings, and that a witness may only attend where he reasonably believes this to be necessary. Regulations 25 to 27 set out the person(s) who will conduct the misconduct proceedings. Regulations 29 to 33 deal with who shall and may attend those proceedings. Regulation 34 covers the procedure at the proceedings and regulation 35 deals with outcomes. At a misconduct meeting the disciplinary action that may be imposed is management advice, a written warning or a final written warning. Such action is also available at a misconduct hearing, along with dismissal with or without notice or, in exceptional circumstances, the extension of a final written warning. The Police Appeals Tribunals Rules 2008 set out separately the right of appeal to a police appeals tribunal from misconduct proceedings but regulations 38 to 40 deal with an appeal by a non senior officer from a misconduct meeting.

Part 5 deals with the procedures for special case hearings for those cases where there is written or documentary evidence to establish gross misconduct on the balance of probabilities and it is in the public interest for the officer concerned to cease to be a police officer without delay. Procedures for these cases are fast tracked and there are no witnesses at the hearing other than the officer concerned. Regulation 58 requires a record to be kept of all proceedings under these Regulations and appeals.

The Schedule sets out the standards of professional behaviour expected of police officers, breach of which constitutes misconduct and a breach of which so serious that dismissal would be justified, constitutes gross misconduct.