Police complaints and discipline The disciplinary system
In carrying out their duties, members of police forces, including civilian staff, are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional behaviour, which are set out in The Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/2632, as amended) and detailed in the College of Policing’s Code of Ethics13.
	The police disciplinary system is designed to deal with circumstances where these professional standards are not met. Disciplinary action may arise as a result of a complaint from a member of the public, an internal complaint or an incident such as a death or serious injury, where there is evidence of misconduct (that is a breach of professional standards) or gross misconduct (a breach so serious that dismissal would be justified). More information on the disciplinary process is provided in annex E.
	Where behaviour falls short of these standards, it is the responsibility of the police force to conduct a formal investigation and take forward disciplinary action where appropriate. Where allegations arise that are serious or sensitive, the police force must refer those cases to the IPCC, which then decides how the investigation should be carried out and to what extent the police force should be involved.
	Since 1 December 2013, the College of Policing has managed a national register of officers struck-off from the police (the "Disapproved Register"). The register is available to forces for vetting purposes.
	Since 1 May 2015, police misconduct hearings (and appeals) are held in public and since 1 January 2016 misconduct hearings have an independent, legally qualified chair.