Use of force by officers in mistaken arrest incident was ‘reasonable’, says IOPC
An investigation has found that the use of force by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers to detain and arrest a man, who was wrongfully suspected of being involved in a vehicle pursuit in West London, was reasonable in the circumstances.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation followed police complaints made by Reece Richards and his mother, which related to the level of force used, the officers’ treatment of him and an allegation that he was treated in a discriminatory manner because he was black.
The investigation reviewed police body-worn video, CCTV footage, mobile phone footage, obtained statements from police officers, Mr Richards and members of the public.
“The complaint histories of the officers involved were obtained and considered and we did not find any patterns of behaviour which indicated an attitude or underlying prejudice,” said the IOPC.
“At the end of our investigation, we found no indication that any officers acted in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or had committed a criminal offence. We also did not uphold his complaint about the officers’ use of force against him or that officers treated him differently due to his race.”
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “I want to acknowledge the impact that this incident has had on Reece Richards. He was an innocent bystander and this would have been a frightening experience.
“Mr Richards’ complaint detailed his understandable belief that he was detained and arrested because he was black, although the suspects were white. We found that officers were responding to a fast-moving incident and – given the only description of the suspects was that one was wearing dark clothing and their location – it was reasonable that the officer who saw Mr Richards and detained him thought he was a suspect.
“The evidence indicated that the officers’ use of force was reasonable in the circumstances they encountered and perceived and Mr Richards was de-arrested as soon officers confirmed he was not involved.”
MPS Commander Owain Richards said: “We are pleased the IOPC was able to determine the officers acted in good faith and appropriately. This was a fast-moving incident during which they were trying to detain three men who had fled from police during a pursuit. Their use of force was reasonable in the circumstances.
“Mr Richards was swiftly de-arrested as soon as officers confirmed he was not a suspect, but we absolutely acknowledge how distressing it must have been to be caught up in such an incident.
“We would be happy to meet him to discuss what happened should he wish to do so.”