Police officer gross misconduct panels

A police misconduct hearing is likely to be convened to hear allegations of serious cases of misconduct by police officers. The most severe outcome at this hearing would be dismissal from the police service without notice. Cases would include for example, allegations of criminal acts, serious road traffic matters such as drink/driving and other serious breaches of the standards of professional behaviour expected of police officers, such as neglect of duty.

On this page you will find more information about Legally Qualified Persons and Independent Panel Members who serve on police officer gross misconduct hearings in Devon and Cornwall.

Click on each section below to find out more.

Composition of gross misconduct panels

For gross misconduct hearings commencing after 7 May 2024, panels consist of the Chair (Chief Constable or delegated senior person), a Legally Qualified Person (LQP) and two Independent Panel Member (IPMs); one with relevant experience, and a second who is not required to have relevant experience. To ensure fairness, IPMs are selected on a rota basis.
Where are meetings held?
What is the role of a Legally Qualified Person?

Legally Qualified Persons (LQPs) do not sit in a decision-making capacity. Their role is to advise the panel on legal and procedural issues relating to the misconduct proceedings.
While the LQP is expected to proactively provide advice where necessary throughout the proceedings, the chair may also require the LQP to provide advice to the panel on specific issues which arise.
All panel members must have regard to any advice provided by the LQP. LQPs should also sit in their advisory capacity during the pre-hearing stage, given that the pre-hearing is ordinarily where matters of law and procedure are discussed.
Who can be a Legally Qualified Person?
Who are Independent Panel Members, and what qualifications, knowledge and experience are required?

For gross misconduct hearings commencing after 7 May 2024, panels consist of the Chair (Chief Constable or delegated senior person), a Legally Qualified Person (LQP) and two Independent Panel Member (IPMs). To ensure fairness, IPMs are selected on a rota basis.
The Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 require that two Independent Panel Members (IPMs) are appointed to each gross misconduct hearing, one must have relevant experience of disciplinary proceedings, and the other does not need experience. Therefore, while it would be advantageous to have experience, expertise, or qualifications in the field of disciplinary proceedings, this is not a necessity.
More generally, the qualities required of IPMs include the ability to think latterly; to properly evaluate evidence, and to provide an and open and non-practitioner perspective to the information presented to them. In addition, self-confidence is essential to bring the required level of independence to the process, and engage constructively with the Chair and other panel members. Other attributes include the ability to take a balanced, open minded and objective approach to the issues and to reach evidence-based decisions that are robust and will withstand challenge, and the ability to clearly and cogently articulate views, while being receptive to other people’s opinions. Members will have high standards of conduct and ethics and a commitment to fairness and equality. They must be committed to the process and be willing to set aside sufficient time to prepare for and attend hearings.
Why do we have Independent Panel Members?

As per The Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, the Police and Crime Commissioner has a responsibility to appoint Independent Panel Members (IPMs) to sit on the panel of police officer gross misconduct hearings. An IPM is a non-policing practitioner, a lay member, who forms parts of the hearing panel to consider evidence, to participate fully in discussions and relevant sanctions, and provide the public’s voice throughout the misconduct process. Some of the key responsibilities include: preparing for hearings by considering in advance relevant papers, reports and background information, and constructively challenging facts and views when appropriate. The aim of the appointment is to provide reassurance to the community that misconduct matters are properly investigated and proceedings properly adjudicated.
For this reason, members must fully understand what high standards of conduct are expected of police officers. The decisions taken by panels can affect the livelihood of police officers and therefore acting – and being seen to act – with fairness and impartiality is paramount. As individuals members are expected to abide by the strictest levels of integrity, honesty and good conduct in public life, and security clearance (vetting) is a pre-requisite to perform the role.
How long can I be an Independent Panel Member?
How do I become a Legally Qualified Person or Independent Panel Member?

When we have a vacancy, we will advertise this on our recruitment pages on our website, as well as through other channels as appropriate, for example the Neighbourhood Alert system, and through relevant networks or publications.

Personnel under the direction and control of any constabulary/police force or Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in England and Wales, or qualified lawyers employed by any constabulary, police force or OPCC in England and Wales are not eligible to apply to be a Legally Qualified Person.

Independent Panel Members must be at least eighteen years of age and reside within Devon, Cornwall or Dorset. Serving and retired police officers, police staff, special constables and staff of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are excluded from appointment, as are individuals who have a close connection to police or OPCC staff.
Is there a fee or allowance payable for these roles?
What is the time commitment?

Misconduct cases are triggered by the officer receiving notice of misconduct proceedings. Cases are unpredictable in nature, and may last a couple of days, or a number of weeks. The Police and Crime Commissioner holds a list of Legally Qualified Persons (LQP) and Independent Panel Members (IPMs) who have been selected through an appointment process. Selection for each hearing is on a rota basis (depending on availability). On average, an IPM or LQP may be asked to attend a hearing two or three times in a 12-month period. In addition to attending misconduct hearings, there is a requirement to attend training and other relevant events.