Police Appeals Tribunals
Forthcoming Police Appeals Tribunals
To be held at the OSPCC offices, with information about how and when they are held.
Police Gross Misconduct Hearings
Disciplinary matters involving police officers and special constables are currently governed by Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. From 1 May 2015, any cases of police officer misconduct may result in hearings that can be attended by the public, including the media.
Details of upcoming hearings will be published with at least five days’ notice on the Sussex Police website. The regulations state that police gross misconduct hearings must be held in public and be presided over by a Legally Qualified Chair (LQC).
The LQC will make a decision on whether the hearing will be held in public, in private or part public/private and wherever possible should state why.
Sussex Police are responsible for organising the hearings, with most held at Sussex Police Headquarters. More information can be found by accessing the following link:
The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Sussex is responsible for the appointment and training of the LQC and the Independent Panel Member.
Sussex currently has a list of 22 LQCs available to sit on gross misconduct hearings. These appointments have been made on a regional basis, over two tranches, in partnership with the PCCs from Kent, Hampshire, Surrey and Thames Valley.
The LQCs for all gross misconduct hearings in Sussex are selected from this list by the OSPCC, using a rota system to ensure fairness.
Police Appeals Tribunals
Police Appeals Tribunals (PATs) hear appeals against the findings of gross misconduct brought by police officers or special constables. PATs are currently governed by Police Appeals Tribunal Rules 2020.
Members of the public can attend appeal hearings as observers but are not allowed to participate in proceedings. The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Sussex is responsible for appointing the chair to conduct the proceedings.
Booking to attend
Places are limited and will need to be booked in advance, preferably at least 48 hours before the hearing. Details of how to do this will be published with each hearing date. To comply with the rules of attendance, observers are required to provide the following when booking:
- name
- email address
- contact telephone number
To book a place at a forthcoming hearing please email: pcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk
Full details of the conditions of entry to Police Appeal Tribunals can be read here: Conditions of Entry – PATs
Upcoming appeals