Misconduct hearing for former DC Jason Cowell

Notice of hearing to be held in public

Name of the officer concerned: Former DC Jason Cowell

Date: 28 September – 1 October 2026

Start Time: 10am

Location:

Old Magistrates Court

Houghton Police Station

Dairy Lane

Houghton Le Spring

DH4 5BL

It is alleged that:

1. Former DC Cowell altered a judicial commendation and added his own name to the document, as well as that of another officer. The former officer had not been instructed by anyone to make the alterations and he did not inform anyone that he was altering the document; he had not sought or obtained authorisation to make the alterations. Former DC Cowell submitted the judicial commendation to the court without informing anyone in the case that he was doing so.

2. Between 27/01/21 and 16/02/21, there was an investigation into the alteration of the judicial commendation. Former DC Cowell provided misleading information during the course of the investigation; he deliberately provided information which led the investigator to conclude that a senior officer was responsible for the alteration, rather than himself.

It is alleged that the former DC Cowell breached the following Standards of Professional Behaviour as set out in Schedule 2 of Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020:

• Honesty and Integrity
• Discreditable Conduct

The matter set out above, if proven, is said to amount to gross misconduct in that it is so serious as to justify dismissal.

If you wish to apply to attend the hearing, you must book no later than 3pm the previous working day.  This is to allow for sufficient time to progress the application.  Any requests received after this time will be unable to be processed in time for the hearing and therefore will be rejected. 

The identity of victims/witnesses may be protected during the hearing as appropriate.

Register to attend

Please ensure that you have read the conditions of entry prior to booking.