Changes to Police Misconduct Hearings in the North West Region of England

Strategic Insights -

The Cheshire Police and other North West police forces have implemented changes to their police misconduct hearings in response to new legislation. As of 2016, legally qualified chairs will replace police chairs in serious misconduct cases, indicating a shift towards more independent oversight. The Police and Crime Commissioners for the five police force areas have jointly recruited a list of chairs to cover all areas, with a recruitment process underway for qualified candidates who must satisfy the judicial appointment eligibility condition and undergo security checks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Legally qualified chairs will replace police chairs in police misconduct hearings from 2016, marking a change in the disciplinary rules governing the police.
  • The Police and Crime Commissioners for Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside have jointly recruited a list of chairs to cover all five police force areas.
  • Qualified candidates must satisfy the judicial appointment eligibility condition and complete security checks to be appointed as chairs.
  • Appointment to the list is for a five-year period, with the number of tribunals to cover varying but approximately 8-10 per year.
  • Independent members are also appointed to ensure public scrutiny and representation in police misconduct hearings.
  • The recruitment process for independent members is currently underway, with details to be posted shortly.

Statistics:

  • 2016 is the year in which legally qualified chairs will replace police chairs in police misconduct hearings.
  • 5 police force areas are covered by the joint recruitment process: Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside.
  • Candidates must satisfy the judicial appointment eligibility condition, which is outlined in section 50 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.
  • The appointment period for chairs is 5 years.
  • The number of tribunals to cover may vary, but approximately 8-10 per year is to be expected.

Sources:

  • Cheshire Police, UK Government: News Release (no specific date mentioned)
  • Application pack for recruitment as a chair: Available at info@merseysidepcc.info or by mail to Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, Allerton Police Station, Rose Lane, Liverpool, L18 6JE
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