New conduct and performance regulations aiming to create a culture of learning and development rather than sanction and punishment came into effect on 1 February 2020.
They give officers required to improve their performance the chance to undertake Reflective Practice with their line manager to discuss how the issue can be avoided in the future, accept what happened and then move forward rather than face punitive action for minor issues.
There is a higher threshold for disciplinary action so misconduct proceedings will be only be triggered if the wrongdoing warrants at least a written warning and low-level outcomes have been removed.
The harsher outcomes are balanced by the fact that more officers will be diverted away from the misconduct arena and only serious matters will be escalated.
Disciplinary action outcomes starting with the least severe:
Misconduct meeting
Misconduct hearing
Other changes include:
Home Office Guidance on the new regulations.