Police Act 1996

Chapter II E+W Disciplinary and other proceedings

[F1 84 Representation etc. at disciplinary and other proceedings E+W

(1) The Secretary of State shall by regulations make provision for or in connection with—

(a) enabling the officer concerned or a relevant authority to be represented in proceedings conducted under regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3) [F2 or (3A)] or section 51(2A) [F3 or (2B)];

(b) enabling the panel conducting such proceedings to receive advice from a relevant lawyer or another person falling within any prescribed description of persons.

(2) Regulations under this section may in particular make provision—

(a) specifying the circumstances in which the officer concerned or a relevant authority is entitled to be legally represented (by a relevant lawyer);

(b) specifying the circumstances in which the officer concerned or a relevant authority is entitled to be represented by a person (other than a relevant lawyer) who falls within any prescribed description of persons;

(c) for securing that—

(i) a relevant authority may be legally represented, and

(ii) the panel conducting the proceedings may receive advice from a relevant lawyer,

whether or not the officer concerned is legally represented.

(3) Without prejudice to the powers conferred by this section, regulations under this section shall, in relation to cases where the officer concerned is entitled to legal or other representation, make provision—

(a) for securing that the officer is notified of his right to such representation;

(b) specifying when the officer is to be so notified;

(c) for securing that proceedings at which the officer may be dismissed are not to take place unless the officer has been notified of his right to such representation.

(4) In this section—

• “the officer concerned”, in relation to proceedings within subsection (1)(a), means the member of a police force or special constable [F4 or, as the case may be, the former member of a police force or the former special constable,] to whom the proceedings relate;

• “the panel”, in relation to proceedings within subsection (1)(a), means the panel of persons, or the person, prescribed for the purpose of conducting the proceedings;

• “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations under this section;

• “relevant authority" [F5 , in relation to proceedings conducted under regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3) or section 51(2A),] means—

  (a)

  where the officer concerned is a member of a police force (other than [F6 the chief officer of police]), or a special constable, the chief officer of police of the police force of which the officer is a member, or for which the officer is appointed as a special constable;

  (b)

  where the officer concerned is [F7 the chief officer of police, the local policing body] for the police force of which the officer is a member;

• [F8 “relevant authority”, in relation to proceedings conducted under regulations made in pursuance of section 50(3A) or section 51(2B), means—

  (a)

  where the officer concerned is a former member of a police force (other than a former chief officer of police), or a former special constable, the chief officer of police of the police force of which the officer was last a member, or for which the officer was last appointed as a special constable;

  (b)

  where the officer concerned is a former chief officer of police, the local policing body for the police force of which the officer was last a member;]

• “relevant lawyer” means a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes the exercise of a right of audience (within the meaning of that Act);

• “senior officer” means a member of a police force holding a rank above that of chief superintendent.

(5) But in prescribed circumstances “relevant authority” also includes the [F9 Independent Office for Police Conduct].

(6) Regulations under this section may make different provision for different cases and circumstances.

(7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(8) Subsection (7) does not apply to a statutory instrument containing (whether alone or with other provision) any regulations under this section coming into force at a time that is the earliest time at which any regulations under this section are to come into force since the commencement of paragraph 7 of Schedule 22 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.

(9) A statutory instrument within subsection (8) may not be made unless a draft of it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 84 substituted (3.11.2008 for specified purposes, 1.12.2008 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 7 (with Sch. 27 para. 35); S.I. 2008/2712, art. 2, Sch. para. 16(b) (with art. 4); S.I. 2008/2993, art. 2(1)(h)(i) (with art. 3)

F2 Words in s. 84(1) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 29(4)(a)(i), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(a) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F3 Words in s. 84(1) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 29(4)(a)(ii), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(a) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F4 Words in s. 84(4) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 29(4)(b)(i), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(a) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F5 Words in s. 84(4) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 29(4)(b)(ii), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(a) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F6 Words in s. 84(4) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 40(a); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 8(1)(3)) (as amended (14.11.2012) by S.I. 2012/2892, art. 8(3))

F7 Words in s. 84(4) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 40(b); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with art. 8(1)(3)) (as amended (14.11.2012) by S.I. 2012/2892, art. 8(3))

F8 Words in s. 84(4) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 29(4)(b)(iii), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(a) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F9 Words in s. 84(5) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 65(3)(a); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

85 Appeals against dismissal etc. E+W

[F10 (1) The Secretary of State shall by rules make provision specifying the cases in which a member of a police force or a special constable [F11 , or a former member of a police force or a former special constable,] may appeal to a police appeals tribunal.

(2) A police appeals tribunal may, on the determination of an appeal under this section, make an order dealing with the appellant in any way in which he could have been dealt with by the person who made the decision appealed against.]

(3) The Secretary of State may make rules as to the procedure on appeals to police appeals tribunals under this section.

[F12 (4) Rules made under this section may, in particular, make provision—

(a) for enabling a police appeals tribunal, in such circumstances as are specified in the rules, to determine a case without a hearing;

(b) for the appellant or the respondent to be entitled, in a case where there is a hearing, to be represented—

(i) by a relevant lawyer within the meaning of section 84, or

(ii) by a person who falls within any description of persons prescribed by the rules;

(c) for enabling a police appeals tribunal to require any person to attend a hearing to give evidence or to produce documents,

and rules made in pursuance of paragraph (c) may apply subsections (2) and (3) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 with such modifications as may be set out in the rules.]

[F12 (4A) Rules under this section may make different provision for different cases and circumstances.]

[F13 (5) A statutory instrument containing rules under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

[F13 (5A) Subsection (5) does not apply to a statutory instrument containing (whether alone or with other provision) the first rules made under this section after the commencement of paragraph 8 of Schedule 22 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008: such an instrument may not be made unless a draft of it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.]

(6) Schedule 6 shall have effect in relation to appeals under this section.

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 85(1)(2) substituted (3.11.2008 for specified purposes, 1.12.2008 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 8(2); S.I. 2008/2712, art. 2, Sch. para. 16(c) (with art. 4); S.I. 2008/2993, art. 2(1)(h)(i) (with art. 3)

F11 Words in s. 85(1) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 29(5), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(a) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F12 S. 85(4)(4A) substituted for s. 85(4) (3.11.2008 for specified purposes, 1.12.2008 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 8(3) (with Sch. 27 para. 35); S.I. 2008/2712, art. 2, Sch. para. 16(c) (with art. 4); S.I. 2008/2993, art. 2(1)(h)(i) (with art. 3)

F13 S. 85(5)(5A) substituted for s. 85(5) (3.11.2008 for specified purposes, 1.12.2008 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 8(4); S.I. 2008/2712, art. 2, Sch. para. 16(c) (with art. 4); S.I. 2008/2993, art. 2(1)(h)(i) (with art. 3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 85 excluded (31.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/533, art. 3(2)

S. 85 applied (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/731, reg. 15(6)

C2 S. 85(2)-(5) applied (31.10.1997) by 1997 c. 50, s. 82(2); S.I. 1997/2390, art. 2(2)(r)

F14 86 Admissibility of statements in subsequent proceedings. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 86 repealed (1.4.2004) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. 108(2), Sch. 8; S.I. 2004/913, art. 2(f)(iv)

87 Guidance concerning disciplinary proceedings etc. E+W

(1) [F15 The Secretary of State may issue guidance as to the discharge of their disciplinary functions to—

(a) local policing bodies,

(b) chief officers of police,

(c) other members of police forces,

(d) civilian police employees, and

(e) the [F16 Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct].]

[F17 (1B) The College of Policing may, with the approval of the Secretary of State, issue guidance to the persons mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (c) as to the discharge of their disciplinary functions in relation to members of police forces and special constables and former members of police forces and former special constables.]

(2) Nothing in this section shall authorise the issuing of any guidance about a particular case.

(3) It shall be the duty of every person to whom any guidance under this section is issued to have regard to that guidance in discharging the functions to which the guidance relates.

(4) A failure by a person to whom guidance under this section is issued to have regard to the guidance shall be admissible in evidence in any disciplinary proceedings or on any appeal from a decision taken in any such proceedings.

[F18 (4A) In this section “disciplinary functions” means—

(a) functions in relation to the conduct, efficiency and effectiveness of, and the maintenance of discipline of, the following persons (including functions in relation to disciplinary proceedings)—

(i) members of police forces;

(ii) special constables;

(iii) civilian police employees;

[F19 (iv) persons designated as community support volunteers or policing support volunteers under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002;]

(b) functions in relation to disciplinary proceedings against persons who were, but have ceased to be, persons falling within paragraph (a).]

(5) [F20 In this section—

• “civilian police employee” means—

  (a)

  a member of the civilian staff of a police force, including the metropolitan police force (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011), or

  (b)

  a person employed by the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as police authority who is under the direction and control of the Commissioner of Police for the City of London;

• “disciplinary proceedings”—

  (a)

  in relation to a member of a police force or a special constable, or a former member of a police force or a former special constable, means any proceedings under regulations under section 50 or 51 that are identified as disciplinary proceedings by those regulations;

  (b)

  in relation to any other person, means any proceedings identified as disciplinary proceedings by regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.]

[F21 (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under paragraph (b) of the definition of “disciplinary proceedings” in subsection (5) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 87(1) substituted for s. 87(1)-(1A) (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 32(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 4

F16 Words in s. 87(1) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 65(2)(c); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F17 S. 87(1B) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 32(3), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 4

F18 S. 87(4A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 32(4), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 4

F19 S. 87(4A)(a)(iv) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 41(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(g) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F20 S. 87(5) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 32(5), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 4

F21 S. 87(6) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 32(6), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 4

[F22 87A Guidance concerning conduct etc E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance as to matters of conduct, efficiency and effectiveness to—

(a) members of police forces,

(b) special constables, F23 ...

(c) civilian police employees [F24 , and

(d) persons designated as community support volunteers or policing support volunteers under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002.]

(2) The College of Policing may, with the approval of the Secretary of State, issue guidance of the type described in subsection (1) to the persons mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection.

(3) It shall be the duty of every person to whom any guidance under this section is issued to have regard to the guidance.

(4) A failure by a person to whom guidance under this section is issued to have regard to the guidance shall be admissible in evidence in any disciplinary proceedings brought against the person.

(5) In this section “civilian police employees” and “disciplinary proceedings” have the same meaning as in section 87.]

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 87A inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 32(7), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 4

F23 Word in s. 87A(1)(b) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 41(3)(a), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(g) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F24 S. 87A(1)(d) and word inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 41(3)(b), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(g) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

88 Liability for wrongful acts of constables. E+W

(1) The chief officer of police for a police area shall be liable in respect of [F25 any unlawful conduct of] constables under his direction and control in the performance or purported performance of their functions in like manner as a master is liable in respect of torts committed by his servants in the course of their employment, and accordingly shall [F26 , in the case of a tort,] be treated for all purposes as a joint tortfeasor.

(2) There shall be paid out of the police fund—

(a) any damages or costs awarded against the chief officer of police in any proceedings brought against him by virtue of this section and any costs incurred by him in any such proceedings so far as not recovered by him in the proceedings; and

(b) any sum required in connection with the settlement of any claim made against the chief officer of police by virtue of this section, if the settlement is approved by the [F27 local policing body ].

(3) Any proceedings in respect of a claim made by virtue of this section shall be brought against the chief officer of police for the time being or, in the case of a vacancy in that office, against the person for the time being performing the functions of the chief officer of police; and references in subsections (1) and (2) to the chief officer of police shall be construed accordingly.

(4) A [F28 local policing body] may, in such cases and to such extent as appear to it to be appropriate, pay out of the police fund—

(a) any damages or costs awarded against a person to whom this subsection applies in proceedings for [F29 any unlawful conduct of] that person,

(b) any costs incurred and not recovered by such a person in such proceedings, and

(c) any sum required in connection with the settlement of a claim that has or might have given rise to such proceedings.

(5) Subsection (4) applies to a person who is—

(a) a member of the police force maintained by the [F30 local policing body],

(b) a constable for the time being required to serve with that force by virtue of section 24 or 98 [F31 of this Act F32 ...], or

(c) a special constable appointed for the [F33 local policing body's] police area.

[F34 (5A) This section shall have effect where, by virtue of [F35 Part 3 of Schedule 3 to the Crime and Courts Act 2013, a National Crime Agency officer] who is neither a constable nor an employee of the [F36 local policing body] is provided to a police force as if—

(a) any unlawful conduct of his in the performance or purported performance of his functions were unlawful conduct of a constable under the direction and control of the chief officer of police of that force; and

(b) subsection (4) applied to him in the case of the [F36 local policing body] maintaining that force.]

[F37 (6) This section shall have effect where an international joint investigation team has been formed under the leadership of a constable who is a member of a police force as if—

(a) any unlawful conduct, in the performance or purported performance of his functions as such, of any member of that team who is neither a constable nor an employee of the [F38 local policing body] were unlawful conduct of a constable under the direction and control of the chief officer of police of that force; and

(b) subsection (4) applied, in the case of the [F38 local policing body] maintaining that force, to every member of that team to whom it would not apply apart from this subsection.

(7) In this section “international joint investigation team” means any investigation team formed in accordance with—

F39 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F39 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) any international agreement to which the United Kingdom is a party and which is specified for the purposes of this section in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(8) A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (7) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F25 Words in s. 88(1) substituted (1.10.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 102(1)(a)(2)(a), 105(2)-(5); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(f)(xi)

F26 Words in s. 88(1) substituted (1.10.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 102(1)(b)(2)(a), 105(2)-(5); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(f)(xi)

F27 Words in s. 88(2)(b) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 42(2); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F28 Words in s. 88(4) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 42(2); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F29 Words in s. 88(4)(a) substituted (1.10.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 102(4)(5)(a), 105(2)-(5); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(f)(xi)

F30 Words in s. 88(5)(a) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 42(3)(a); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F31 Words in s. 88(5)(b) inserted (1.4.1998) by 1997 c. 50, s. 134(1), Sch. 9 para. 85; S.I. 1998/354, art. 2(2)(ay)

F32 Words in s. 88(5)(b) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 4 para. 80(2), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(y)

F33 Words in s. 88(5)(c) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 42(3)(b); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F34 S. 88(5A) inserted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 4 para. 80(3); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10

F35 Words in s. 88(5A) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 45; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F36 Words in s. 88(5A) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 42(4); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F37 S. 88(6)-(8) inserted (1.10.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 103(1), 105(2)-(5); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(f)(xii)

F38 Words in s. 88(6) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 42(5); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F39 S. 88(7)(a)(b) and word omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 67(2) (with regs. 2(3), 10, 72) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1408, regs. 1, 8, 19); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 88 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2000) by S.I. 1999/3272, art. 3

C4 S. 88 applied (with modifications) (8.5.2017) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner Functions to the Mayor) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/470), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 10(5)

C5 S. 88 modified (31.7.2017) by The Criminal Justice (European Investigation Order) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/730), regs. 1(1), 34(3)(a) (with regs. 3, 34(1))

C6 S. 88 modified (E.W.) (20.12.2023) by The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1432), arts. 1(2), 33(2), Sch. 5 para. 10(5)

C7 S. 88(1)-(5) modified (1.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), s. 25(5); S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(h)

C8 S. 88(1) excluded by 1974 c. 37, s. 51A(2D)(2E)(b) (as inserted (7.4.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 158(1), 178(1)(a) (with s. 158(5)-(7)))