Whistleblowing Disclosure — Police Officer Letter Template & Generator

If you need to make a protected disclosure about wrongdoing under whistleblowing protection, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong whistleblowing disclosure — police officer should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• State clearly this is a protected disclosure
• Describe the wrongdoing being disclosed with facts and dates
• Explain why the officer reasonably believes this is in the public interest
• Identify the recipient as the appropriate person to receive the disclosure
• Request the matter is investigated and a formal response given

Whistleblowing protection for police officers

Officers making a genuine protected disclosure about wrongdoing — corruption, safety failures, or other serious concerns — are protected under whistleblowing provisions extended specifically to police officers via section 43KA of the Employment Rights Act 1996, despite their office holder status generally limiting other employment protections.

What to include before you send it

• A clear, factual description of the wrongdoing you're disclosing
• Why you reasonably believe this disclosure is in the public interest
• Any evidence supporting your disclosure
• Confirmation of who you're making this disclosure to, and why they're an appropriate recipient

Why this specific legal protection matters for officers

Because officers don't have standard unfair dismissal protection in the way employees do, the specific whistleblowing protection under section 43KA is particularly significant — it fills a gap that would otherwise leave officers exposed for raising genuine, serious concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who counts as an appropriate person to disclose to?
This can include your chain of command, the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct), or in some circumstances a relevant government body, depending on the nature of the wrongdoing.

What if I face retaliation after making a disclosure?
This would itself be unlawful detriment connected to a protected disclosure, and can be raised as a further, serious complaint or Employment Tribunal claim.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.