Misconduct Hearings

West Yorkshire Police will publish information about public misconduct or special case hearings here. 

Misconduct hearings deal with allegations of gross misconduct by Police Officers or Special Constables.

All misconduct or special case hearings should be held in public from 1st May 2015 in accordance with the new legislation to improve transparency and accountability and ensure public confidence. There may be certain circumstances when it will be necessary and appropriate for all or parts of a hearing to be held in private. The identity of victims/witnesses will be protected during the hearing as appropriate.

 

Forthcoming Misconduct Hearings

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF MISCONDUCT PROCEEDINGS

 

On 25th and 26th March 2024 at 10.00am at West Yorkshire Police - Force Headquarters, 10-12 Laburnum Road, Wakefield WF1 3QP a misconduct hearing under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 will take place in relation to PC 6800 Dominic Downs.

It is alleged that PC Downs has breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers, specifically the standards of:

 

  1. Honesty and Integrity
  2. Discreditable Conduct.
  3. Duties & Responsibilities
  4. Orders and Instructions

It is alleged that;

1. On 11th April 2023, at around 09:29 hours and whilst on duty PC Downs reversed a police van which resulted in a collision with a parked Audi Vehicle (hereafter referred to as the Audi).

2. The impact caused the police van to come to an abrupt halt, the Audi bounced backwards and there was an audible noise.

3. After the collision, PC Downs pulled the police van forward, exited the vehicle and looked at the Audi.

4. PC Downs left the scene without providing details to the owner or leaving them on the Audi.

5. PC Downs did not report the collision to his supervisor.

6. A member of public reported the collision.

7. PC Downs falsely denied knowledge of the collision when it was brought to his attention by a supervisor.

8. In the circumstances described at 2 above PC Downs knew there had been a collision.

These matters are individually and collectively alleged to amount to gross misconduct, namely a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that if proved, is so serious that PC Downs dismissal would be justified.

Closing Date for Applications to attend is 4pm on 21st March 2024.

 

Misconduct Hearings - Attendance Online Application Form

Click here to complete the online Misconduct Hearings Attendance Online Application Form

 

Police Appeals Tribunals (PATs)

Police officers have a right of appeal to a Police Appeals Tribunals against findings made under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 or the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020. The Police and Crime Commissioner is the 'local policing body' responsible for administering PATs and in West Yorkshire, the Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities are undertaken by the West Yorkshire Mayor, supported by staff from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Policing and Crime Team. Further information about the process, including how to apply to observe a PAT, are available on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s website:  Policing and Crime - West Yorkshire Combined Authority (westyorks-ca.gov.uk)

 

Forthcoming Police Appeals Tribunals (PATs)

Where the Chair of the PAT requires publication of the PAT written outcome report, and subject to West Yorkshire Police’s approval, this will be shown here.

 

Outcomes of Police Appeals Tribunals (PATs)

Where the Chair of the PAT requires publication of the PAT written outcome report, and subject to West Yorkshire Police's approval, this will be shown here.