Conditions of entry

In addition to providing required identification, the below conditions of entry apply when attending a misconduct hearing.

Cameras

The taking of pictures is forbidden within the public hearing rooms, the surrounding vicinity and anywhere else within the immediate areas outside. Any photographs that are taken inside must be organised with and authorised by a member of press office staff.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed inside Police HQ.

Start times

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the stipulated start of the hearing.

Conduct within the misconduct hearing room

• Members of the public and press are requested to remain silent at all times whilst the hearing is in session.
• All mobile phones, pagers, recording machines or other electronic items must be switched off in the public hearing rooms (exception for Media).
• Only accredited members of the press will be allowed to use text-based communications for the purposes of simultaneous reporting of proceedings if the person chairing or conducting the proceedings is satisfied that it does not interfere with the orderly conduct of proceedings.
• The use of recording or photographic equipment is strictly forbidden in the public hearing rooms. Any person found to be using such equipment will be asked to leave by police staff.
• No person is permitted to make, or attempt to make a sketch of the hearing room of any person, being a panel member, or witness or other interested party to the misconduct proceedings.
• Laptops, tablets and mobile phones may be used by accredited members of the press for the purpose of writing.
• Tweeting and posting on social media social media is only allowed by accredited members of the press using laptops or tablets.

No-one attending the public hearing rooms should intervene in or interrupt the running of the hearing. If anyone behaves in a disorderly or abusive manner or otherwise acts inappropriately in the view of the Chair, the member of police staff may exclude them from the remainder of the hearing. Should anyone breach these conditions of entry and refuse to leave, you will be ejected.

Members of the public and press will not be allowed to enter or leave the public hearing rooms whilst it is in session.

If exceptional circumstances make it necessary to leave the public hearing room, it is requested that individuals do so as quietly as possible and during a natural lull in proceedings, such as a change over in witnesses. You will not be allowed unescorted in the building. Re-entry to the public hearing room will be facilitated at the next adjournment.

Fire and evacuation instructions

Action on discovering a fire

If you discover a fire, alert others by operating the nearest fire alarm call point by breaking the glass on the nearest ‘break glass’ call point. Leave the building by the nearest safe fire exit. Fire marshals, dressed in high visibility jackets, will be available to aid your safe exit from the building.

On hearing the fire alarm

The fire alarm is both a siren and spoken voice. Please follow the instructions given over the public address system. You are required to leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit. You will be directed to leave the premises and gather at the nearest fire assembly point. Do not leave the assembly point until so instructed by the Fire Marshal or Fire and Rescue personnel.

Remember, do not:

• take risks
• stop to collect personal belongings
• use lifts
• re-enter the buildings for any reason, until authorised to do so
• drive away from the site. This causes confusion as to where you are and also can cause accidents with vehicles moving amongst pedestrians

If you are unable to undertake the fire evacuation process detailed above, please inform the reception staff upon your arrival. An evacuation plan will be prepared for you and will take into account your personal requirements and will be designed to allow you safe egress from the building during an emergency.