These regulations replace Part III and Schedule 3 of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (Discipline and Disciplinary Appeals) Regulations 1988 and come into operation on 6th November 2000. They take account of the new provisions made by the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 for complaints by members of the public against police officers.

They apply to members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary of the rank of Assistant Chief Constable and above, referred to as senior officers. The regulations set out the procedures to be followed where a senior officer’s conduct is suspected of falling below the standard set out in the Code of Conduct, contained in the [Guidance to the Chief Constable on Police Complaints and Misconduct Procedures].

Part I provides for the commencement and interpretation of the regulations, defines the limitation of application and makes the appropriate revocations and necessary transitional arrangements.

Part II provides for the suspension of the officer concerned where the Chief Constable considers this appropriate, and for the investigation of the conduct to which the report, complaint or allegation relates, and provides for the hearing of the case, the various parties who may be required or permitted to attend the hearing, the documentation to be made available to them, and the sanctions which may be imposed.