Member Services / Legal Advice & Assistance

As police officers the men and women the Federation represents are subject to a rigorous code of conduct and strict disciplinary regulations. Policing is a very responsible job and, rightly, any hint of malpractice by a police officer is a serious matter. By and large, there is never any suggestion that CNC officers fail to meet these high standards. But occasionally one of our members comes under suspicion for a breach of law or discipline. In that unhappy event the Federation is there to help.

Should a member be placed under investigation for a disciplinary matter, the Federation offers advice from the outset. The first point of contact is the Branch Secretary and the General Secretary. These officials will arrange the appointment of a "friend". The role of a friend is to advise and assist the officer under investigation throughout the process. The rules allow any officer to be appointed to this role, but the Federation has a number of "professional" friends, with a wealth of knowledge and experience of these matters.

The Federation organises seminars and training courses to ensure that these friends can help to prepare the best possible defence. Thus a Federation member is able to be represented at the hearing by a specialist. In more serious cases, the Federation will provide a solicitor, whose costs will be met from the Federation's funds. The Federation employs two firms of solicitors, Russell Jones & Walker in England, and Hughes Dowdall, in Scotland, both of whom are experts in this field. Our solicitors have branches nationwide and close links have been forged over the years between their offices and the Federation.

Apart from disciplinary cases, Federation members may apply for FREE legal advice on any matter related to their employment and, in special cases, on matters not related to work.

Disciplinary action can have severe consequences for officers. The Federation therefore does its utmost to help. In particular, we are committed to fighting instances of obvious injustice and discrimination. We have a strong track record in this aspect of our work and we have full confidence in the services available to members.