Police Transfers
& Postings Explained
Can they move you against your will? A detailed guide to redeployment rules, station relocation rights, and the legal limits of Chief Officer powers.
Notice: Independent guidance on Police Regulations 2003 regarding deployment and postings.
Executive Summary
Police officers are holders of the Office of Constable, not employees. This gives forces broad powers to post you where they see fit.
- Redeployment: You can be moved between stations or units for operational need.
- Consent: Your agreement is not strictly required for a lawful posting.
- Safeguards: Moves must not be discriminatory or used as "disguised punishment."
- Welfare: Forces must consider medical and travel implications.
Can they move Your Posting?
Yes. A police force has the legal authority to move you to another team, unit, or station within the same force area if operational necessity requires it. Officers do not have a contractual "home station" right.
Permanent transfers should follow policy and consider welfare.
Moves must not be discriminatory or bypass misconduct rules.
While management holds significant power over your deployment, they must exercise it reasonably. Changes driven by personal malice, retaliation, or a failure to accommodate protected characteristics can be technically challenged.
Section 1: The Legal Foundation
Why they can move you
The ability for a Chief Officer to allocate duties stems from the unique legal status of a police officer. Unlike workers who are bound by a contract of employment specifying a work location, officers are holders of the Office of Constable.
- Regulation 22: Grants the power to determine duty rosters and rosters.
- Operational Control: Case law establishes that the Chief Constable has absolute control over deployment.
- Lawful Orders: Failure to comply with a deployment order can lead to misconduct proceedings.
Essentially, you are required to serve where the force needs you most to fulfill the public interest.
The 4 Categories of Transfer
Unit/Team Changes
Moving from Response to Neighbourhood or CID to Safeguarding. Usually driven by staffing levels or skill matching.
Geographic Move
Moving station within the same force area. Entirely lawful provided travel and welfare implications are assessed.
Skills/Suitability
Removal from Firearms, Dogs, or RPU due to training lapse, suitability, or operational reallocation.
Management Move
Enforced moves due to team relationship breakdowns or risk management. Lawful if justified, not if used as punishment.
Real-World Scenarios
The Staffing Shortage
Your Neighbourhood team is under strength while Response is over-allocated. You are moved to Neighbourhood to balance the hub.
The Supervisor Conflict
You report an Inspector for a conduct breach. Three days later, you are moved to a remote outstation without operational explanation.
Medical Restriction
You have back injury restrictions. You are moved to a unit that requires heavy PSU deployments and PSU kit carry.
The Protections
Management power is not total. There are three primary pillars where a transfer can be successfully challenged:
A force cannot use a posting change to avoid the Due Process of the Police Conduct Regulations. If it's a punishment, it requires a hearing.
Forces must make Reasonable Adjustments. If a move significantly worsens a disability or impacts caring responsibilities, it may be discriminatory.
Chief Officers have a common law Duty of Care. Moves that create unsafe fatigue (e.g., massive travel increases) are challengeable.
The Pay Impact
| Element | Effect of Transfer |
|---|---|
| Base Pay | Stays the same (determined by Rank and Service). |
| Specialist Allowance | Usually stops if the role no longer requires the skill. |
| Overtime Access | May decrease or increase based on unit demand. |
| London/SE Allowance | Stays the same unless you move to a different Force. |
What to Do If Told You Are Moving
Ask for the operational rationale in writing.
Confirm if the transfer is temporary (attachment) or permanent.
Assess travel, child care, and welfare impacts immediately.
Raise formal concerns via Federation if you suspect punishment.
Always remain professional and follow the direction unless it is unsafe. Refusal is a conduct risk; challenge is a legal right.
Common Questions
Can police force a transfer?
Yes. Internal posting changes and redeployments within a force area can be directed by a Chief Officer under their operational authority. Officers hold the Office of Constable and are required to perform duty where directed.
Can you refuse a police transfer?
Generally, no, if it is a lawful order. However, refusal may be reasonable if the transfer breaches medical restrictions, ignores Equality Act protections, or violates a formally agreed flexible working arrangement.
Can transfer be used as punishment?
No. Transfers cannot be used as a disguised disciplinary measure. If there are conduct or performance issues, management must follow the Police Conduct or Performance Regulations rather than simply moving the officer to a less desirable posting.
Does transfer affect pension?
No. Your police pension is based on your rank and length of service, not your specific posting or station location. Moving units does not change your pensionable pay, unless it affects a specific role-based allowance.
Can they move me to another station far away?
A force can redeploy you to any station within the force boundary. However, they must consider welfare and equality issues—specifically regarding travel burden for those with caring responsibilities or medical needs.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes based on Police Regulations 2003. Forces have individual policies regarding redeployment and selection for specialist units. For specific advice regarding a compulsory move or suspected retaliation, always consult your local Police Federation branch.