There is no general rule requiring administrative or disciplinary proceedings to be deferred pending related criminal proceedings. The decision-maker must undertake a balancing exercise weighing the public interest in the administrative inquiry against any real (not merely notional) risk of prejudice to the criminal proceedings. Where the administrative inquiry serves a public safety purpose distinct from the disciplinary function, and does not involve evidence on oath or cross-examination, the balance may favour proceeding notwithstanding pending criminal charges. Non-compliance with a procedural notification requirement directed at other authorities (not the affected person) will not invalidate the decision where compliance does not bear on procedural fairness to the decision's subject.
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