Police officers face misconduct charges - one is alleged to have punched a man in the head

One of the officers faces an allegation that their conduct amounted to a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of Use of Force, Honesty & Integrity and Duties & Responsibilities contrary to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012.

The officer had been involved in the detention of a male member of the public who had been detained by officer colleagues. During a search of the detained male a scuffle ensured and the man was taken to the ground and it is alleged that the officer then punched him in the head. The punch was not necessary to gain control of the man and put the man at risk of harm which is a breach of the standards relating to Use of Force.

It is further alleged that when the officer was interviewed in relation to the incident they did not provide a truthful account which is a breach of the standards relating to Honesty and Integrity.

On a separate occasion, the officer was involved in the arrest of a male member of the public. The arrest was carried out within the man’s home address which was captured on a body worn camera. When the officer presented the man in custody, the custody officer was informed that the man had been arrested outside an address, which was not accurate and is alleged to be a breach of the standards relating to Honesty and Integrity.

On a separate occasion whilst on duty the officer absented them self from work to return home without the permission of their supervision and without informing their supervision that they were returning home. The officer was therefore not available to attend work during that time which is alleged to be a breach of the standards relating to Duties and Responsibilities.

The second officer faces an allegation that their conduct amounted to a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct, Honesty and Integrity and Duties and Responsibilities contrary to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012.

The officer was involved in the detention of a male member of the public in which it is alleged that excessive force was used to detain him. During the detention the male was punched or hit to the head and he made a comment amounting to the fact that this action could kill him. The officer heard this comment and was aware of the force used by their colleague upon the male but did not challenge or report that excessive force had been used. It is alleged that this is a breach of the standards relating to Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct.

It is further alleged that when the officer was interviewed about his involvement in the detention of the male, the officer did not give a full account of the force used by their colleague which is said to be a breach of the standards relating to Honesty and Integrity.

On a separate occasion the officer was asked to carry out a cell watch on a vulnerable detainee in police custody. During the course of the cell watch the officer fell asleep on two occasions potentially putting the vulnerable detainee at risk of harm which fell below the standards expected and is alleged to be a breach of the standards relating to Duties and Responsibilities.

The proceedings will take place at Humberside Police Headquarters, Priory Road, Hull HU5 5SF. Due to welfare and safety concerns relating to one of the accused officers, the hearing will be held in private. If any person would like the full rationale for the decision to hold the hearing in private, they are asked to make this request by contact to the following email address [email protected].