BTP is required to have arrangements to deal with public complaints and the discipline of persons serving within the force. Because the BTP is not covered by the legislation that applies to other forces, the BTPA is responsible for taking the necessary steps to put the procedures in place. By law, those procedures must be similar to those of Home Office forces.
The Authority has the power to replicate the Home Office Regulations concerning police conduct and performance. This must be complemented by an agreement with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) so that complaints from members of the public can be investigated according to the Commission’s guidance, including the option for its involvement in the more serious cases. This agreement is made under section 26 agreement of the Police Reform Act 2002.
The BTP’s existing conduct and disciplinary arrangements are contained in four different regulations:-
BTP (Conduct) Regulations 2020
BTP (Performance) Regulations 2020
BTP (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020
BTP (Appeals Tribunal) Regulations 2020
These regulations came into effect on 4 January 2021 (replacing the previous 2015 versions).