Restricted Duties
Explained
What restricted duties mean outside misconduct. How they work. How long they last. And how they affect pay, pension and progression.
Updated: 25 February 2026
Trust Notice: Independent explanatory guidance. Not legal or medical advice. Based on Police Regulations 2003 (as amended), Equality Act 2010 principles and standard force policy practice.
Executive Summary
Restricted duties keep you working while recovering.
They are not a punishment. They are a tool to manage injury, illness, pregnancy or temporary capability gaps while maintaining employment.
Quick Facts
- Pay: Continues as normal (minus potential overtime).
- Role: Modified duties affecting deployment.
- Pension: Contributions & accrual are unaffected.
Important: Not Misconduct
This guide is for restrictions due to injury, health, pregnancy or capability. If you are restricted due to a disciplinary investigation, rules on resignation and procedure are different.
What Are Restricted Duties?
Restricted duties are temporary adjustments to an officer’s role to manage risk while keeping them employed.
The officer remains a serving police officer, continues to receive pay, and retains police powers (unless specifically limited by a Superintendent). However, they are removed from specific operational tasks that they cannot safely perform.
Common Restrictions
Why Are Officers on Restricted Duties?
Injury on Duty
Example: Knee injury during a foot chase.
Restricted duties allow an officer to continue working while recovering, reducing full sickness absence.
Medical / Illness
Example: Stress, surgery recovery or back pain.
Occupational Health recommends temporary adjustments (e.g., "No night shifts") to support welfare.
Pregnancy
Requirement: Risk assessment based.
Forces must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act to protect the officer and baby (e.g., removing public order duties).
Capability Support
Example: Training lapse or confidence issue.
Temporary restrictions while awaiting refresher training or during a structured development plan.
See Regulation 13 →Do You Get Paid?
Yes. Basic pay, incremental progression, and pension contributions generally continue as normal.
Financial Impact Warning
While basic pay is protected, you may lose:
How Long Can They Last?
There is no statutory maximum, but they must be proportionate and reviewed regularly.
- Short-term injuries: Weeks to months.
- Long-term illness: May trigger ill-health retirement procedures if permanent.
Can They Be Permanent?
Generally, no. Police officers are expected to be operationally deployable.
If restrictions are permanent, forces will consider:
- Ill-Health Retirement (IHR)
- Medical Capability Dismissal (Last resort)
Restricted Duties vs Suspension
Restricted Duties
- Officer remains at work
- Usually welfare-driven
- Not punitive
Suspension
- Removal from duty
- Linked to misconduct risk
- Serious reputational impact
Promotion
It depends on restrictions, duration, and operational requirements.
- Pregnancy: Does not prevent promotion.
- Medical: May delay specialist postings.
- Live Misconduct: Almost always pauses promotion.
Pension Impact
Restricted duties do not reduce pension accrual (if full pay continues) or pause contributions.
Warning: Overtime Loss
Loss of overtime may reduce final salary elements in legacy schemes. CARE 2015 scheme accrues based on actual earnings.
Mental Health & Welfare
Being removed from your team can feel isolating. It is normal to feel frustration or a loss of identity when placed on restricted duties.
"restricted duties are not a career-ending label. They are a risk management tool designed to keep you safe."
What If I Disagree?
Restrictions must be proportionate and evidence-based.
If you believe your restrictions are unnecessary, punitive, or ignoring medical advice, you have options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are restricted duties the same as light duties?
Yes. Light duties is informal language for restricted duties.
Do restricted duties mean I’m being disciplined?
No. Not unless linked to misconduct.
Can restricted duties affect my pension?
Only indirectly if your earnings reduce.
Can restricted duties lead to dismissal?
Not automatically. However, long-term inability to perform core functions may lead to capability review.
Can I work overtime on restricted duties?
Often limited. Depends on restriction type and health advice.