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Reflective Practice
Review Explained

What is Reflective Practice Review in policing? Understand when RPRP is used, how it differs from misconduct, and what it means for your record and career.

Performance & Learning

Executive Summary

Reflective Practice Review is not misconduct.

It is used when behaviour falls below standards but does not meet the threshold for misconduct. It focuses on learning, reflection and improvement — not punishment.

1. What Is Reflective Practice Review?

RPRP exists under Police (Conduct) Regulations reforms. It is used when conduct is below expected standards, there is no dishonesty, no deliberate wrongdoing, and the issue is capable of improvement. It is a developmental process.

2. Why Was RPRP Introduced?

  • Reduce overuse of formal misconduct
  • Encourage learning culture
  • Distinguish mistakes from misconduct
  • Prevent career damage for minor errors

It separates performance and practice requiring improvement from misconduct.

3. What Triggers RPRP?

Examples (In Scope)

  • • Poor communication
  • • Delay in paperwork
  • • Low-level inappropriate comment
  • • Failure to follow procedure (no malice)

Excluded (Misconduct)

  • • Integrity breaches
  • • Abuse of position
  • • Corruption
  • • Dishonesty

4. How the Process Works

Step 1

Supervisor identifies concern.

Step 2

Matter assessed as below misconduct threshold.

Step 3

Reflective discussion held.

Step 4

Learning actions agreed.

Step 5

Recorded locally (not misconduct record).

5. Is It Recorded on Your Misconduct Record?

🚫

No.

RPRP does not form part of formal misconduct record. However, it may be retained locally for performance monitoring.

6. Does It Affect Promotion?

Generally no. RPRP is not a misconduct finding. But repeated RPRP patterns may raise questions about development.

7. Can RPRP Escalate?

Yes. If during review new evidence of dishonesty appears or a pattern of behaviour emerges, it may be escalated to misconduct.

RPRP vs Misconduct Threshold Indicator

Assess whether a behavior typically falls under Reflective Practice or formal Misconduct.

Estimated Outcome
Likely Reflective Practice

This appears to meet the criteria for Practice Requiring Improvement. Focus should be on learning and development, not disciplinary sanction.

*Educational guidance only. Professional Standards Departments make final assessments.

Common Questions

Is RPRP a warning?

No. It is developmental and focuses on learning rather than punishment.

Can RPRP lead to dismissal?

No. It is not a disciplinary sanction.

Does RPRP affect vetting?

Not automatically. Only repeated concerns may trigger review.

Misconduct Hub Gross Misconduct Guide Resignation Guide