Professional Misconduct
We are receiving a number of calls from registered professionals complaining about how they are being poorly treated by their registration authorities. For example we have received calls from teachers, police, nurses, radiologists, pharmacists, dentists and chiropractors complaining that they have received letters from their relevant registration authority advising them that they are under internal investigation for serious misconduct.
Initial Letter of Notice of Misconduct
Somewhere amongst the facts there has been a criminal allegation but in some cases the allegation was made to the registration authority, not to the police. The letter goes on to say that the employee has breached a section of some overarching act of Parliament by not informing the authority of any pending criminal charges even before the employee knew anything.
Invitation to Meet
Some employees have even been suspended without a charge being preferred by police. The letters invariably go on to request a meeting with the employee to discuss the matter. Our advice is simple and straightforward. Any criminal complaint must be investigated by police and if charges are preferred the matter must then be determined by a court of law.
Right to Silence
Because you have the right to silence you are not required to “go in and have a chat”. You are not required to report any criminal allegation especially if you have not been charged. If you receive a letter of the kind alluded to here, call us or get straight on to a lawyer of your choice.
