Conduct

New conduct and performance regulations aiming to create a culture of learning and development rather than sanction and punishment came into effect on 1 February 2020.

They give officers required to improve their performance the chance to undertake Reflective Practice with their line manager to discuss how the issue can be avoided in the future, accept what happened and then move forward rather than face punitive action for minor issues.

There is a higher threshold for disciplinary action so misconduct proceedings will be only be triggered if the wrongdoing warrants at least a written warning and low-level outcomes have been removed.

The harsher outcomes are balanced by the fact that more officers will be diverted away from the misconduct arena and only serious matters will be escalated.

The conduct regulations aimed to free up investigators’ time to focus on removing corrupt officers from the service and welcomed moves to prevent long-drawn-out investigations.

Now, if an investigation is ongoing after 12 months, the Appropriate Authority has to send a report to the Police and Crime Commissioner explaining why and then again if another six months passes.

Disciplinary action outcomes starting with the least severe:

Misconduct meeting

• A written warning- 18 months
• Final written warning - two years.

Misconduct hearing

• Final written warning two to five years
• Reduction in rank in exceptional circumstances where the rank was an issue
• Dismissal.

Other changes included:

• Opportunities for early review of allegations – if, at any time before a meeting or hearing, it appears that the allegation no longer meets the high threshold test for disciplinary proceedings the matter can be reassessed and discontinued or moved into the Reflective Practice Review Process.

Home Office Guidance on the new Regulations.