Conditions of entry

Police officer hearings are crucial in ensuring the protection of the public. Force Gross Misconduct Hearings, Panels and chief officers have to make difficult and important decisions, which are fair, proportionate and consistent.

It’s important that all participants are treated with sensitivity and respect and that proceedings remain dignified throughout. It’s particularly important that observers behave appropriately.

We collect the information below to ensure we can maintain the integrity of the hearing. If you wish to observe a virtual hearing remotely or physically attend a hearing in person, we'll ask for proof of your name and UK address, and for your express agreement with our terms of access below.

In the unlikely event that the hearing becomes compromised in any way by you, we may use your name and address to take legal action against you. Your details will be retained for 12 months after the hearing concludes.

If you plan to attend a hearing, virtually (if available) or in person, you need to register by the time and date detailed on the hearing notice.

Please add the officer's name and the dates you want to attend from our list of upcoming misconduct hearings.

Attending a hearing virtually (if available)

Please read and ensure you fully understand the terms below by agreeing to the condition of entry, you are confirming that you will abide by the terms of observation required to remotely observe a virtual hearing

• I agree that I must produce photographic ID (passport or driving licence) and failure to do so will result in exclusion from the hearing (unless prior agreement is sought). This information will only be used to confirm your identity and will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulations.
• I agree that I will not make any audio, video or photographic recording of any part of this virtual hearing.
• I agree that I will not stream, broadcast, share or otherwise distribute or display this virtual hearing to a third party in any way.
• I understand that the joining details I am provided with are for my use and must not be shared with anybody else.
• I understand that my camera should remain off and my audio muted at all times.
• I understand that I should not seek to interact with this hearing in any way, including, but not limited to, posting any communication in the comments box.
• I understand that my email address will be shared with the police force for the purposes of being provided with the link to attend the virtual hearing.
• I understand that my name may be provided to the hearing parties if it is considered necessary.
• I understand that If I have not registered to attend in advance of the hearing, on-line admittance will be declined.
• I understand that if I arrive on-line after the hearing has started, I will not be allowed entry into the on-line hearing.
• I understand that it is at the discretion of the Panel Chair, I may be requested to leave part of the on-line hearing, as rules governing the conduct of proceedings allow for all or part of the hearing not to be held in public.
• I understand that the chair may impose restrictions on reporting.
• I am over the age of 18.
• I understand that my failure to comply with the terms set out above could result in my removal from current and future hearings.
• I understand that my failure to comply with the terms set out above could result in legal action being taken against me [by the police force or any other party affected by my actions].

Attending a hearing in person (if available)

Please read and ensure you fully understand the terms below by agreeing to the condition of entry, you are confirming that you will abide by the terms of observation required to attend a hearing in person.

• I agree that I must produce photographic ID (passport or driving licence) and failure to do so will result in exclusion from the hearing (unless prior agreement is sought). This information will only be used to confirm your identity and will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulations.
• I agree that I will not make any audio, video or photographic recording of any part of this hearing nor any audio, video or photographic recording whilst on police premises.
• I agree that all electrical devices (phones, tablets, laptops etc) are to be switched off in the hearing facility.
• I understand that if I have not registered to attend in advance of the hearing, admittance will be declined.
• I understand that if I arrive late, I may not be allowed entry into the hearing.
• I understand that Hearings are held on police premises, and I agree that I will be searched before entry to ensure the safety of myself and all attendees.• I understand that if there are concerns that I present a security risk to the force, I may not be allowed access to police premises.
• I agree that I will be provided with a visitor’s badge which must be worn at all times until I leave the building and agree to return the visitors badge to the reception desk when leaving at the end of each day.
• I understand that travel and attendance are in my own time and at my own expense.
• I understand that refreshments are not provided, and food and drink are not allowed in the hearing room itself.
• I understand that smoking is not allowed inside the building.
• I understand that it is at the discretion of the Panel Chair, I may be requested to leave part of the hearing, as rules governing the conduct of proceedings allow for all or part of the hearing not to be held in public.
• I understand that the chair may impose restrictions on reporting.
• I am over the age of 18.
• I understand that my failure to comply with the terms set out above could result in my removal from current and future hearings.
• I understand that my failure to comply with the terms set out above could result in legal action being taken against me [by the police force or any other party affected by my actions]
• I understand that animals are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs.
• I understand that the force reserves the right to decline attendance where numbers are restricted due to venue capacity if in person. The force may also offer places to members of the public who have not previously attended a hearing in favour of those who have already done so.
• I understand that if I am an employee of the force, I can only attend on rest days or whilst off duty.
• I understand that I must familiarise myself with the location of emergency/fire exits and evacuate the building promptly should the need arise.
• I understand that my failure to comply with the terms set out above could result in my removal from current and future hearings.
• I understand that my failure to comply with the terms set out above could result in legal action being taken against me [by the police force or any other party affected by my actions].