§ The Marquess of Ailesburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the decision-making process which determines whether a policeman convicted in the courts of an offence may remain in the police force.
The Minister of State, Home Office (The Earl of Caithness)When a police officer has been found guilty by a court of law of an offence it is for the force concerned to decide whether to charge the officer with the disciplinary offence of criminal conduct. Where such a charge is proved in a disciplinary hearing, the chief officer may dismiss the officer from the force, require him to resign as an alternative to dismissal or impose a lesser punishment. There is a right of appeal to the Secretary of State against finding of guilt or punishment.