Can I Transfer Force
With Live Misconduct?
Can a police officer transfer forces while under investigation? Understand vetting, PSD disclosure, gross misconduct risk and barred list implications.
Executive Summary
Yes, you can apply. However, live investigations must be disclosed.
The receiving force will risk assess the application. Vetting may be paused or refused. Gross misconduct cases rarely transfer cleanly. Transfer does not reset conduct history.
1. The Core Principle
Inter-force transfers require vetting clearance, disclosure of live misconduct, and PSD to PSD communication. If you are under investigation, that fact is disclosed.
2. What Happens When You Apply?
- 1 Status Check Your current force confirms conduct status.
- 2 PSD Disclosure PSD shares investigation details with the new force.
- 3 Risk Assessment Receiving force risk assesses the application.
- 4 Vetting Decision Final recruitment and vetting decision is made.
Live misconduct does not automatically block transfer. But it complicates it significantly.
3. Live Investigation vs Gross Misconduct
Gross Misconduct
Transfer is highly unlikely to be approved until outcome.
Misconduct
Transfer may be paused pending outcome, or proceed with conditions.
4. Can You Avoid Proceedings by Transferring?
No.
Misconduct follows you.
Even if transfer is approved, the receiving force may continue proceedings, or your current force may complete the process before release. You cannot “escape” a live gross misconduct case by moving force.
5. What About Vetting?
Vetting assesses integrity risk, disclosure risk, and reputation risk. Live misconduct affects vetting, especially if integrity is questioned, honesty is involved, or abuse of position is alleged.
6. PSD to PSD Disclosure
Forces share the nature of the allegation, stage of investigation, risk assessment, and suspension status. This is standard inter-force protocol.
7. Suspension & Transfer
If suspended, transfer is extremely unlikely to proceed. Suspension signals seriousness. Receiving forces rarely accept unresolved high-risk cases.
8. Barred List Risk
If the case could result in a gross misconduct finding and barred list referral, transfer will usually be halted until determination.
Read Barred List Guide →9. What If the Case Is Ongoing but Minor?
If it involves low-level misconduct, no dishonesty, and no safeguarding risk, transfer may proceed with a disclosure note, conditional clearance, or monitoring.
10. Timing Matters
Apply before allegation formalised → May transfer before full process begins.
Apply during investigation → Transfer likely paused until conclusion.
Apply after finding → Receiving force reviews outcome and sanction.
11. Does It Look Worse If You Apply?
Not automatically. However, applying during serious proceedings may raise integrity questions. Forces will consider intent.
12. Career Impact Considerations
Even if transfer is technically possible, promotion pathways may pause, specialist roles may be restricted, and vetting reviews may recur. Transfer is not a reputational reset.
13. Common Myths
If I transfer, the case disappears.
RealityIt follows you.
The new force won’t know.
RealityPSD disclosure is mandatory.
Transfer is easier than resignation.
RealityBoth involve disclosure and review.
Transfer Risk Indicator
Estimate the likelihood of a successful inter-force transfer while under investigation.
Preliminary assessments or performance issues (UPP) are less likely to block transfer, though full disclosure to the new force is still mandatory.
*Educational guidance only. Not legal advice. Recruitment decisions are at the discretion of the Chief Constable.
Common Questions
Can I transfer forces while under investigation?
Yes, but the receiving force will be informed and may pause or refuse the transfer.
Does misconduct stop vetting?
It can. Especially if the allegation relates to integrity or safeguarding.
Can gross misconduct cases transfer?
Rarely before determination. Most forces wait for outcome.
Will PSD tell the new force?
Yes. Disclosure between PSD departments is standard practice.
Does transfer remove barred list risk?
No. Barred list referral depends on finding, not geography.
"Understanding the stage and seriousness of your case is critical before making transfer decisions."