Police Suspension
& Restricted Duties
Understanding suspension rules, restricted duties, pay entitlement, length, review process and pension impact.
Executive Summary
Suspension is not a punishment. Restricted duties are not disciplinary sanctions.
Both are protective measures used during investigation. However, they can last months or even years. Both maintain full pay.
1. What Is Suspension?
Suspension removes an officer from duty while an investigation proceeds. It typically happens when there is a serious allegation, public confidence risk, or risk of evidence interference.
Suspension is neutral. It does not imply guilt.
2. Who Can Authorise Suspension?
Under Police (Conduct) Regulations, a Chief Officer (or delegated senior officer) can authorise suspension. The decision must be necessary, proportionate, and reviewed regularly.
3. Are Suspended Officers Paid?
Yes.
Officers remain on full pay (salary + regular allowances).
Overtime obviously ceases. Suspension is not unpaid leave.
4. What Is Restricted Duties?
Restricted duties allow an officer to remain at work but with limitations (e.g., no public contact, no firearms). It is often used instead of suspension as a proportionate alternative.
5. Suspension vs Restricted Duties
Suspension
- • Removed from duty entirely
- • No workplace attendance
- • Full pay continues
Restricted Duties
- • Remain in workplace
- • Limited operational exposure
- • Used where risk manageable
6. How Long Can It Last?
There is no statutory maximum. Regulations require periodic review (e.g., every 28 days). Long suspensions can exceed 12 months in complex cases.
7. Why It Takes So Long
Factors include digital evidence review, parallel criminal investigations, CPS decision delays, and multiple complainants.
8. Can Suspension Be Challenged?
Yes. Grounds typically include disproportionality or unnecessary duration. Legal advice is usually required.
Suspension Impact Overview
Estimate the likelihood of extended suspension.
Without criminal proceedings or high public interest, suspension should be a last resort. Restricted duties are the preferred alternative.
*Educational guidance only. Not legal advice. Suspension decisions are reviewed periodically by the force.
9. Mental Health Impact
Suspension is neutral in law but can be psychologically damaging (isolation, stigma). Forces are expected to maintain welfare contact.
10. Pension Impact
Suspension does not affect pension accrual or continuous service.
If dismissal follows, pension rules apply separately.
Pension Rules →11. Other Work While Suspended?
Generally no. Officers remain bound by conduct regulations and secondary employment restrictions.
12. Public Disclosure
Most suspensions are not announced. High-profile cases may be confirmed if media interest is high.
13. Return to Duty
Outcomes: No case (reinstatement), Misconduct (warning + return), or Gross Misconduct (dismissal). Restricted duties may continue post-return.
14. Promotion Impact
Promotion processes are typically paused for officers on restricted duties or suspension.
16. Common Misunderstandings
Suspension means guilty.
RealityIt is a neutral protective measure.
Suspension is unpaid.
RealityFull pay continues.
Common Questions
What happens when a police officer is suspended?
They are removed from duty while investigation proceeds but remain on full pay.
Are suspended police officers paid?
Yes. Suspension does not remove salary entitlement.
How long can suspension last?
There is no fixed maximum. Reviews must occur periodically.
Is restricted duties the same as suspension?
No. Restricted duties allow continued work with limitations.
Does suspension affect pension?
No. Pension accrues normally during suspension.
"Suspension protects investigations. Restricted duties manage risk. Neither determines guilt."