Annex A: Glossary
Published 4 November 2026
Applies to England and Wales
© Crown copyright 2026
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Case to answer
A determination that there is sufficient evidence upon which, on the balance of probabilities, a misconduct meeting or misconduct hearing could make a finding of misconduct or gross misconduct.
Complaint
Any expression of dissatisfaction with a police force which is expressed by or on behalf of a member of the public.
Conduct matter
Any matter which is not and has not been the subject of a complaint where there is an indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner which would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.
Death or serious injury (DSI)
Any circumstances (unless and to the extent that they are or have been the subject of a complaint or amount to a conduct matter) in which a person has died or sustained a serious injury and where the death or serious injury has occurred while the person was detained by the police or otherwise in police custody, or is believed to have resulted from contact of any kind between a person serving with the police and another person.
Gross misconduct
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that is so serious as to justify dismissal.
See misconduct.
Independent oversight
Scrutiny, review or decision-making undertaken by a body independent of the police force concerned to promote accountability, transparency, fairness and public confidence.
Individual accountability
The principle that police officers, special constables and police staff are personally accountable for their actions, decisions and conduct and may be subject to investigation or proceedings where concerns arise.
Investigation
The process of gathering and assessing evidence to establish the facts and circumstances of a complaint, conduct matter, death or serious injury matter, or alleged misconduct, and to determine what further action, if any, is required.
Local policing body
A police and crime commissioner, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, the Common Council of the City of London, or a combined authority exercising police and crime commissioner functions.
Mandatory referral
A complaint, conduct matter or death or serious injury matter that must be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in accordance with the Police Reform Act 2002 and associated regulations.
Misconduct
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that is so serious as to justify disciplinary action.
See gross misconduct
Organisational accountability
The responsibility of police forces and policing bodies to ensure appropriate governance, leadership, policies, systems and oversight arrangements are in place and to identify, address and learn from organisational failings.
Organisational learning
The identification of lessons and opportunities to improve arising from complaints, conduct matters, investigations, incidents, reviews or other evidence, in order to improve policies, practices, training and outcomes and reduce the likelihood of similar issues occurring in future.
Performance matter
A matter relating to the efficiency, effectiveness or competence of a police officer, including unsatisfactory performance, attendance or capability, which does not amount to misconduct.
Police accountability system
The framework of legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and oversight arrangements through which complaints, conduct, performance, vetting and other professional standards matters are scrutinised, investigated and addressed to maintain public confidence in policing.
Procedural fairness
The requirement that decisions and processes are conducted fairly, consistently, impartially and transparently, in accordance with the principles of natural justice.
Professional standards department (PSD)
The department within a police force responsible for complaints, conduct matters, misconduct investigations and other professional standards functions.
Referral
The process by which a complaint, conduct matter or death or serious injury matter is referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for consideration.