Referred to Chief Constable, disciplinary action recommended *

There are two types of disciplinary action that may be taken against police officers who have breached the PSNI's Code of Ethics or force instructions:

* formal proceedings for more serious breaches

* informal disciplinary action for more minor misconduct.

Click on the links below for more information and case studies.

Officers who are subject to formal disciplinary action are required to attend a court-type misconduct tribunal.

If the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable disagree over whether a police officer should be brought before a misconduct hearing the Police Ombudsman may direct that a tribunal be held.

If an officer is found guilty of misconduct, the tribunal can recommend any of the following sanctions:

* Dismissal - effective immediately
* Required to resign – takes effect one month from the date of the decision
* Reduction in rank - takes effect immediately
* Reduction in pay – takes effect immediately and for a maximum of 12 months
* Fine - a maximum of 13 days pay recoverable over a minimum of 13 weeks
* Reprimand – which will be recorded on the officer’s personal file for a period of three years
* Caution – not recorded on the officer’s personal file
* No sanction

Click below for case studies

Officers who are informally disciplined will receive either a Superintendent's Written Warning, Advice and Guidance, and/or be required to undertake additional training.

Click below for case studies