PP Police Pay

Gross Misconduct
Explained (UK)

Understand UK police gross misconduct procedures. From allegation and investigation to hearing, dismissal, appeal and pension impact.

What Is Gross Misconduct?

Gross misconduct is behaviour that breaches the Standards of Professional Behaviour so seriously that dismissal would normally be justified.

  • It is not a performance issue.
  • It is not minor misconduct.
  • It is conduct considered fundamentally incompatible with policing.

If proven, the default outcome is dismissal without notice.

The Standards of Professional Behaviour

All misconduct cases are judged against these standards:

Honesty & Integrity

Acting truthfully and with transparency.

Authority, Respect & Courtesy

Treating members of the public and colleagues properly.

Equality & Diversity

Avoiding discrimination and upholding fairness.

Use of Force

Using force only when lawful, necessary and proportionate.

Confidentiality

Protecting sensitive information.

Fitness for Duty

Maintaining physical and mental capability to perform safely.

Orders & Instructions

Complying with lawful directions.

Discreditable Conduct

Behaving in a way that discredits the police service.

Breaches vary in seriousness. Gross misconduct usually involves deliberate dishonesty, serious abuse of authority or criminal behaviour.

The Misconduct Process — Step By Step

Stage 1: Allegation Received

A complaint or conduct concern is recorded.

Stage 2: Initial Assessment

Professional Standards Department assesses severity.

No further action
Reflective practice
Misconduct investigation
Gross misconduct investigation

Stage 3: Investigation

An investigation officer gathers evidence (Witness statements, Body worn video, CCTV, Digital evidence).

You may be:

  • Interviewed under caution
  • Placed on restricted duties
  • Suspended (Suspension is neutral, not punishment)

Stage 4: Charging Decision

If evidence suggests gross misconduct, you receive formal notice, disclosure, and may obtain legal representation.

Stage 5: Misconduct Hearing

Chaired by a legally qualified chair, senior officer, or independent panel member.

The panel determines facts, whether misconduct is proven, and appropriate sanction.

Stage 6: Possible Outcomes

  • No Case to Answer Clear
  • Misconduct (Written Warning) Warning
  • Final Written Warning Final Warning
  • Dismissal Without Notice Dismissal

Gross misconduct normally results in dismissal without notice.

Timeline Estimator

Select your current situation to estimate potential timeline and next steps.

Estimated Duration
3 – 12 Months
Procedural Risk Level
Medium
Likely Next Step
Investigation or No Further Action

*Estimates only based on typical regulation timelines. Complex cases varies significantly.

The Police Barred List

If dismissed for gross misconduct:

  • The case is referred to the College of Policing.
  • Barred list consideration follows.
  • If added, you cannot work in policing again in England & Wales.

Can You Resign?

Yes. However:

  • Resignation does not prevent barred list consideration.
  • The panel may still proceed in your absence.
  • Former officers can still be subject to proceedings.

What Happens To Your Pension?

Dismissal does not automatically remove accrued pension rights.

Forfeiture only occurs where there is a serious criminal conviction AND the offence is connected to service AND a forfeiture certificate is issued by the Home Secretary (or equivalent).

Read full pension forfeiture guide →

Common Questions

What is the difference between misconduct and gross misconduct?

Gross misconduct is conduct so serious dismissal would normally follow. Misconduct may result in warnings.

Does dismissal always mean barred list placement?

No. Each case is individually assessed, but dismissal usually leads to barred list inclusion.

Can you transfer forces during investigation?

Transfers are usually paused until proceedings conclude to prevent officers evading accountability.

Can pension be taken away after dismissal?

Only in very limited statutory circumstances involving serious criminal offences connected to the service.

Timeline

There is no fixed time limit. Complex cases may take 6–18 months depending on digital evidence volume, criminal investigation overlap, and witness availability.

Appeal Rights

You may appeal on procedural unfairness, new evidence, or sanction disproportionality. Appeals must be lodged within statutory time limits.