Whistleblowing Disclosure — Police Officer Letter: Free Template and What to Include

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.

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.

[Your Name / Rank / Role]
[Your Department / Station]
[Your Address and Postcode]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of the person receiving this, e.g. your force's whistleblowing contact / Professional Standards Department / the IOPC]
[Name of Police Force or Body]
[Address]
[Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Protected disclosure (whistleblowing)

This letter is a protected disclosure. I am making it to you because [reason you are the right person to receive it, e.g. you are the force's named whistleblowing contact]. Section 43KA of the Employment Rights Act 1996 gives police officers whistleblowing protection.

I reasonably believe that the information below is in the public interest and shows [choose: a criminal offence / a failure to meet a legal obligation / a miscarriage of justice / a danger to someone's health and safety / damage to the environment / deliberate covering up of any of these].

The details are:
• [What happened, with dates, times and places.]
• [Who was involved or responsible.]
• [Any documents, logs or other evidence.]

I believe this is in the public interest because [explain, e.g. it affects the safety of the public / public money is being misused].

Please confirm you have received this disclosure, investigate it, and give me a formal response. Please also tell me who will handle it and keep it confidential.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]