Public notification of misconduct hearing for PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto
Notice of a misconduct hearing to be held in public
Date: 28 September to 6 October 2026
Time: 10:00
Location: Sussex Police Headquarters, Church Lane, Lewes, BN7 2DZ
It is alleged that:
- PC Smith used inappropriate force against a member of the public
- PC Comotto (a) used inappropriate force against a member of the public; (b) Placed inappropriate comments on the incident on Facebook
Such allegations breached the following standards of professional behaviour: Authority, respect and courtesy, use of force and discreditable conduct.
It is alleged that these matters separately and jointly amounted to gross misconduct and are so serious that they justify PC Smith and PC Comotto's dismissal if proved.
Conditions of attendance
Members of the media and public may attend subject to the following conditions:
- Before completing an application to attend, please read the conditions of entry to understand what may be required of you on the day. You must confirm that you have read and agree to abide by the conditions of entry.
- The conditions include that:
- The taking of photographs and the use of film or sound recording equipment during the hearing, except for official use, is prohibited.
- There may be parts of the hearing which are held in private session; if that is the case, any accredited member of the media or public attending the hearing will be asked to leave during the private session and will be informed by the Hearings Officer when they can return.
- Any accredited member of the media attending the hearing must produce valid identification.