Academic misconduct 325/2026
FOI Reference: 325/2026
Request 1 - 8:
Where possible, include data from 1 January 2020 to present. If this is not available, please provide the closest available data and indicate the time frame.
1. Does your force participate in the PCDA and/or DHEP? Please specify which programmes are in use and the partner Higher Education Institution(s).
2. How does your force classify academic misconduct by student officers (e.g. plagiarism, collusion, unauthorised materials, misuse of AI)?
a) Police misconduct
b) Academic/performance issue
c) Both
d) Other (please specify)
3. Does your force have policies or guidance relating to academic misconduct by student officers? Please provide copies or links where available.
4. What sanctions or outcomes may apply where academic misconduct is identified (e.g. reflective practice, misconduct proceedings, dismissal, removal from programme)? Please provide any relevant guidance.
5. From 1 January 2020 to present, please provide:
a) Number of recorded cases of academic misconduct involving student officers
b) Outcomes (e.g. no action, management action, misconduct proceedings, dismissal/resignation)
6. Are academic misconduct cases recorded as a distinct category, or within broader categories (e.g. integrity or discreditable conduct)? If the latter, how are they identified? If held, please indicate whether any cases involved contract cheating or AI-assisted misconduct
7. What is the role of the partner HEI in determining outcomes (e.g. HEI-led academic decisions, force-led misconduct decisions, or joint decision-making)? Please provide any relevant policy or procedural information.
8. When academic misconduct is suspected, does the HEI notify the force:
- At the point of suspicion/investigation
- Only once concluded
- At multiple stages (please specify)
Is this information sharing governed by any formal agreement or policy? If so, please provide details or copies.
Response 1:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
Yes. Use both programmes via University of South Wales
Response 2:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
Response from L&D (Learning and Development)
Depends on situation. Matters are reported to force L&D if University identifies what they consider to be academic misconduct. Force L&D will refer to PSD any matters considered to breach standards of professional behaviour.
Response from PSD (Professional Standards Department)
It would be based on the circumstances of each reported case, however PSD will only deal when it is classed as a breach of the professional standards of behaviour, i. e Police misconduct. If is it not misconduct, PSD do not deal and it will most likely fall under the Unsatisfactory performance procedures, which are not the responsibility of PSD
Response 3:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
Management of Probationary Officers - Regulation 12/13 Policy | Dyfed-Powys Police – this policy covers misconduct and poor performance by student officers
Response 4:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
Response from L&D (Learning and Development)
Depends on circumstances referred by the University and outcome of any misconduct investigation.
Response from PSD (Professional Standards Department)
If it is classified as misconduct, the full range of misconduct outcomes would be available. However as the question relates specifically to Student officers, as they are still within their probationary period, regulation 13 of the Police conduct regulation 2003 could be utilised ( allows Forces to dismiss probationary constables).
Response 5:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
0
N/A
Response 6:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
If identified as misconduct, it would most likely be classified as Honesty and Integrity, however it is dependent on the individual circumstances of each report.
Response 7:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
When academic misconduct is suspected, the HEI notify the force at the point of suspicion. It is at this point the probationary officer is notified formally and offered Federation support. They are issued with formal correspondence advising them that they have entered into the Regulation 13 process which will result in a review of their circumstances following the conclusion of the HEI investigation.
Response 8:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
Management of Probationary Officers procedure outlines that Academic Misconduct will be dealt with under Regulation 13 procedure. Please see below excerpt from the procedure:
Academic Misconduct
4.7.5. In cases where academic misconduct is proven by the HEI, the matter will be classified as a breach in the Standards of Professional Behaviour. The Head of Talent will assess whether based on the facts of the case there is a case to answer.
4.7.6. If the Head of Talent assesses there is a case to answer they will submit a report to the Chief Officer, including all relevant evidence. This will include the facts of the case and recommend a course of action i.e. dispense with the probationary officers’ services.
4.7.7. If the recommendation of the Head of Talent is to dispense with the services of the probationary officer they should be made aware of this fact and be reminded that they have the opportunity to resign their services.
(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 15/04/2026)
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