Independent Members of Police Misconduct Panel
Background
The Police Reform Act 2002 and the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 require police authorities to compile and maintain lists of independent people to sit on police misconduct panels. This followed a ministerial decision to change the constitution of a panel for a misconduct hearing so that in disciplinary cases arising from a complaint one of the three members of the panel would be independent of the police.
Independent members are only required in misconduct hearings arising from a complaint or conduct matter to which Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 applies. These concern incidents involving the death or serious injury of any person and those in which a member of the public had been adversely affected.
Role of the Independent Member
Independent Members are required to assist Misconduct Hearings in determining a fair and evidence-based judgment about a particular officer’s conduct and agreeing an appropriate sanction. These appointments aim to reassure the community that misconduct matters are properly investigated and proceedings properly adjudicated.
Independent Members are expected to prepare for, attend and participate effectively in Misconduct Hearings and be able to constructively challenge accepted facts and views.
Following appointment, Independent Members receive appropriate training and guidance on their role.
Vacancies
Lincolnshire Police Authority appointed the following individuals as Independent Members for a five year term of office in April 2009:
Andrew Smith
David Subden
There are no further vacancies at this time.