Complaints and Misconduct Flashcards
What is misconduct
A breach of standards of professional behaviour
What is Gross Misconduct
A breach of standards of Professional behaviour so serious that a dismissal would be justified.
Who do the standards of professional behaviour apply to
All ranks of officers / Special Constables and Suspended Officers.
Can a Police officer resign or retire prior to being dealt with for an allegation that can lead to dismissal
No
Who is the appropriate authority
Cheif Constable - However, can delegate to Chief inspector or to a Police Staff member who is equivalent to a Cheif inspector.
What are the 10 standards
Honesty and Integrity Authority, Respect and Courtesy Equality and Diversity Use of force Orders and Instructions Duties and Responsibilities Confidentiality Fitness for duties Discreditable Conduct Challenging and reporting improper conduct.
Is suspension or a change of duties a formal misconduct outcome
No
Is suspension or a change of duties a prejudgement of a misconduct outcome
No
When can an officer be moved
When an allegation has been made of either misconduct or gross misconduct and an effective investigation or public interest factors arise.
When can suspension be used
When after or before moving an officer to a new location or new duties was considered or deemed inappropriate.
What must happen before someone is suspended
The appropriate authority must consult with the IPCC
What must happen before the person resumes duties from suspension
The appropriate authority must consult with the IPCC
Who has the final decision the appropriate person of the IPCC
Appropriate person.
What must happen to the person suspended?
They must be told and notified in writing the exact reasons they are being suspended and an public interest grounds.
What happens to a suspended person
They will cease to hold their office or membership except for the purpose of a misconduct proceeding.
What grounds can you challenge suspension
A person or their Police friend can make representations against the initial decision to suspend within 7 workings days of the suspension (next working day after suspension) or at any time during the course of suspension if they believe the circumstances have changed and the suspension is no longer appropriate.
How ofter should suspensions be reviewed
Every 4 weeks or sooner if the rounds are no longer applicable.
Who carries out the initial assessment for suspension
Appropriate authority.
Is fact finding permitted at the initial assessment
Yes but only to establish who the allegation relates to and how the allegation should be dealt with.
What happens if during the initial stage all standards have been met
Then no misconduct but they may be developmental needs.
What if during the initial stage some standards have been breached
Then the appropriate authority must decide if admitted or proven if the breach of standards would amount to misconduct or gross misconduct.
Can a line manager deal with misconduct
Yes
How can a line manager deal with misconduct
Via management action - NO written required
Via disciplinary proceedings - Written notice of the investigation required.
What has to happen at the start of a gross misconduct investigation
All gross misconduct investigation will have written notice of an investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
What is a Police Friend
A Police Friend is an Police Officer, Police Staff Member or a person nominated by the Police officers staff association.
Can a person refuse to be a Police friend
Yes,
Can a Police friend be appointed if they have had any involvement in the case
No
When is a Police Officer entitled to be legally represented
In a misconuct hearing / Special case hearing and in third stage performance hearings.
If a Police officer has committed a criminal offence whilst off duty can they have a Police friend present in the interview
No
Who can serve a written notice
Line manager / Police friend / Posting recorded delivery
What is the obligation to consider suggestions
Made by the officer or the Police friend regarding the line of investigation or examination of the witness
How often must the officer under investigation be updated
Every 4 weeks.