A Police Appeals Tribunal (PAT) will be held for ex-Sgt Karl Breen on Wednesday 27 November 2019 at 11:00am being held in the meeting rooms at “The Hub”, 17 Eastgate Street Stafford (The Old County Treasury Rooms), Stafford, ST16 2LZ.
Ex-Sgt Karl Breen is appealing a finding of gross misconduct resulting in dismissal by a Chief Constable’s Special Case Hearing, on 5 June 2019. The tribunal will be public subject to the approval of the Chair.
Police Appeals Tribunal
Police Appeals Tribunals (PATs) hear appeals against the findings of gross (serious) misconduct brought against police officers or special constables. The process is governed by legislation, primarily the Police Appeals Tribunal Rules 2012 (amended in 2015).
Any member of the public or press wishing to attend may do so, however, we request your intention be made known to david.morris@staffordshire-pfcc.pnn.gov.uk to assure of seating and accommodation. You may be asked for ID on the day and requested to sign in.
Procedures of a Public Hearing
Should the hearing, or part of the hearing be in private, reasons will be given and published. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Chair will decide whether to publish a notice which may contain:
- Name of the officer concerned
- Alleged conduct of the officer
- Finding of the Special Case Hearing
- Outcome of the Special Case Hearing
- Decision of the Police Appeals Tribunal
Please note:
The session is routinely recorded as part of the official record.
If you are a witness to a hearing, you will not be eligible for a public seat.
There may be occasions when a hearing is cancelled at short notice.
If the Chair decides that the evidence to be given by a witness or any other person should not be disclosed in public, an explanation will be given and the public will be excused whilst they give the evidence.
Start Times
You are advised to check the Staffordshire Commissioner’s website the evening before to confirm the start time for the PAT. www.staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk.
We request that members of the public should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the commencement of proceedings to allow time to be signed in. Entry may be restricted once the hearing is in session.
Adjournments
During the course of the hearing, it may be necessary for the hearing to be adjourned. The Chair will announce the reason for this and the time at which the hearing will re-commence. During adjournments (apart from lunch) members of the public should remain in the hearing room.
Lunch
The hearing will stop for lunch at a convenient point decided by the Chair who will announce a return time to recommence proceedings. As per the start, entry may be restricted once the hearing is in session.
Finish
The PAT will normally conclude around 5pm.
Conduct within the PAT
Members of the public are requested to remain silent at all times whilst the hearing is in session.
If there is any intervening or interrupting of the hearing, or if anyone behaves in a disorderly or abusive manner, or acts inappropriate in the view of the Chair, they will be asked to leave and will not be allowed access to the remainder of the hearing.
Mobile phones and cameras
Mobile phones and other devices can be retained during the hearing but must be switched off. The taking of pictures is forbidden within the hearing room and should not be taken of any persons entering or leaving the tribunal.
Conclusion of the PAT
At the conclusion of a hearing, the result will be published on the Staffordshire Commissioner’s website for a minimum period of 28 days.
Dr David M. Morris
Police Appeals | Tribubal Manager Policy & Research Lead | Statutory Data Protection Officer
Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office for Police, Fire and Rescue, and Crime
Strategy and Change Team
Block 9, Weston Road, Stafford
ST18 0YY
01785 232442 | 07887 822000
david.morris@staffordshire-pfcc.pnn.gov.uk
20 November 2019
