Police Misconduct
Appeal Process (UK)
If you have received a misconduct finding or dismissal, you may have the right to appeal. This guide explains who can appeal, what grounds are required, and the strict deadlines involved.
Trust Notice: Based on Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 and associated appeal regulations. Not legal advice. Updated: 12 February 2026.
What Is a Police Misconduct Appeal?
A police misconduct appeal is a formal request for a misconduct finding or sanction to be reviewed by an independent appeal body. Appeals are not rehearings of the entire case. They are limited reviews based on specific legal grounds.
Who Can Appeal?
An officer may appeal where:
- A misconduct finding is made
- A gross misconduct finding is made
- A written warning or final written warning is issued
- Dismissal is imposed
Former officers dismissed following gross misconduct may also appeal in certain circumstances. Police staff follow separate local authority or employment procedures.
The Appeal Deadline
Most appeals must be lodged within:
21 calendar days from the date you are notified of the outcome.
Failure to meet the deadline may result in automatic rejection.
Appeal Deadline Checker
Enter the date you were formally notified of the misconduct outcome to see your 21-day appeal deadline.
Important: This tool calculates 21 calendar days. Deadlines are strict. Always verify the exact date with your Federation representative or legal advisor immediately.
Grounds for Appeal
Appeals are not based on disagreement. They must be based on one or more of the following:
Unreasonable Decision
Argument that no reasonable panel could have reached the decision based on the evidence available.
Procedural Error
A significant breach of procedure or regulations that may have affected the outcome.
New Evidence
Evidence that was not available at the original hearing and could materially affect the decision.
Disproportionate Sanction
The punishment was too severe relative to the misconduct and consistency with other cases.
What Happens Next?
The appeal body will review written submissions, consider the hearing record, review evidence, and assess proportionality. Appeals are usually paper-based but may involve oral hearings.
Who Hears The Appeal?
Depending on rank and sanction, it may be heard by the Police Appeals Tribunal (PAT), a Chief Officer level review, or an independent legally qualified chair.
The Police Appeals Tribunal is an independent panel that reviews misconduct decisions involving dismissal or gross misconduct.
Can You Work While Appealing?
- Dismissed You are not reinstated automatically pending appeal. Pay usually ceases upon dismissal.
- Warning The warning remains live unless and until it is overturned by the appeal body.
Appeal Outcomes
An appeal body may:
⚠️ It cannot increase the sanction.
Barred List
What About the Barred List?
Dismissal may trigger barred list consideration. Appealing dismissal does not automatically delay barred list review. However, if dismissal is overturned, barred list entry may not proceed.
Read Guide →Finance
What About Pension?
Appeal does not automatically restore pension rights. If dismissal is overturned, pension position may change.
Read Guide →Timing & Mistakes
How Long Does it Take?
- • 2–4 months for review
- • Longer if tribunal hearing required
- Timeframes vary by force and tribunal scheduling.
Common Mistakes
- • Missing the 21 day deadline
- • Appealing based on emotion rather than grounds
- • Failing to submit structured written argument
- • Not referencing regulations
Common Questions
How long do I have to appeal a misconduct finding?
In most cases, 21 calendar days from the date the decision is served.
Can I appeal gross misconduct dismissal?
Yes. Dismissal decisions can be appealed to the Police Appeals Tribunal.
Can the appeal increase my sanction?
No. Sanctions cannot be increased on appeal.
Does appealing stop barred list placement?
Not automatically. Barred list review is separate.
Do I need a lawyer?
Legal representation is permitted but not mandatory.