Conditions of entry

Members of the public, including the media, must register online before the hearing date. If you don't, you won't be allowed into the hearing.

We reserve the right to limit the number of people attending due to venue capacity.

We may prioritise attendance where more people wish to attend a hearing than can be accommodated. This will usually be on a first come first served basis. If another basis is used, a notice will be provided confirming the procedure.

Priority will be given to the attendance of the complainant (where applicable), other interested parties (*as defined in Statutory Guidance) and representatives of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Please also note the following information about attending a hearing:

• Persons under the age of 16 cannot attend.
• Members of the media will be allocated a proportionate number of seats based on the overall number of spaces available.
• Attendees must bring valid photographic identification with them on the date of attendance, prior to admission to the hearing. This includes printed confirmation of attendance from the force, a passport or driving licence and proof of address, such as a recent utility bill.
• Any person who is believed to represent a security risk to the force may not be permitted access to police premises.
• Members of the public attend as observers only and will not be permitted to participate in any part of the proceedings.
• Rules governing the conduct of proceedings allow for all or part of the hearing not to be held in public. Therefore, at the discretion of the Hearing Chair, you may be required to leave part of the hearing.
• If your behaviour does or is likely to interfere with the proper conduct of proceedings, this may result in you being required to leave.
• The Chair is permitted to place any reasonable restrictions on the recording and broadcasting of the case where this is justifiable and necessary to ensure the smooth running and fairness of proceedings. Audio, video recording and live text-based reporting is not allowed unless expressly permitted by the Chair.
• Observers may text or use Facebook and other social media during the hearing unless specific restrictions have been put in place by the Chair.
• The Chair reserves the right to put in place any security measures that are considered necessary in order to prevent disruption to proceedings or reduce risks. For example, this may require attendees to submit to a search or surrender video/audio equipment or mobile telephones.
• In the interests of operational security or confidentiality your co-operation would be appreciated if you are required to move to another area or room.
• Travel and attendance is in your own time and at your own expense.
• Refreshments are not provided and food and drink are not allowed in the hearing room.
• Wherever possible venues will be selected to allow disabled access and facilities but this cannot be guaranteed. You may let us know of requirements to help make arrangements for you or seek to confirm if these can be met.
• Animals will not be permitted, with the exception of guide dogs/assistance dogs.
• Parking on police premises is not available.
• Sometimes a misconduct hearing is cancelled at short notice. In these situations we’ll do our best to notify you, but it may not be possible. We’re sorry if this happens to you.
• The Chair may also decide to impose other conditions before or during the hearing.

Please visit the Home Office guidance page for more information.