Conditions of entry

Arriving at a hearing

• Please go to the reception desk at the force headquarters when you arrive, or as otherwise directed in the published notice.
• You're required to show confirmation of your identity to show you're the person who has registered to attend.
• Attendees, and any bags you have, may be searched before entering or re-entering the hearing room.
• Sharp objects or blades will not be permitted; we retain the authority to seize any article found during a search which may cause harm to any person.
• You'll receive a visitor’s badge which must be worn until you leave the hearing, and must be returned to the reception desk when leaving the hearing.
• Anyone attending the hearing is allowed entry as an observer only, except whilst they are giving their evidence.

Conduct in the hearing room

• Members of the public and press are requested to remain silent at all times whilst the hearing is in session.
• No-one attending the public hearing shall either intervene in, or interrupt the running of the hearing.
• Anyone behaving in a disorderly or abusive manner or otherwise acting inappropriately in the view of the Chair may be excluded from the hearing and escorted from the building.
• Mobile phones and other devices can be kept but must be switched off during the hearing as they can interfere with the recording equipment for the hearing.
• Only accredited members of the press are allowed to use text based communications as long as the person chairing or conducting the hearing is satisfied that it doesn't interfere with the orderly conduct of hearing.
• Laptops and tablets may only be used by accredited members of the press.
• Cameras must not be brought inside the building and camera functions on other devices must not be operated inside the building.
• The taking of pictures, video or audio recording is forbidden within the hearing rooms, or within the force headquarters building.
• It is requested that photographs are not taken of any person entering or leaving the building; failure to comply with this requirement will result in you being directed to leave and escorted off the premises.
• Smoking is not allowed inside the force headquarters.

Additional information

The regulations governing misconduct hearings state that the hearing Chair may also impose further conditions of entry in addition to those set out here. If this arises, the further conditions will be published before the hearing. This can include reporting restrictions on the press and public that must be adhered to in order to be granted access to the hearing.

If anyone breaches these conditions of entry, or any of the conditions set by the hearing Chair they will be asked to leave and will be escorted from the premises. The person may also be excluded from any future hearings.