Kent officer given final written warning over force used against handcuffed man

PC Aaron Humphries was found to have committed gross misconduct following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into an incident in the Faversham area of Kent in September 2024. The officer and a colleague had responded to reports of robbery, false imprisonment and criminal damage.

The IOPC said the man who was arrested appeared to lose consciousness, prompting a mandatory referral from Kent Police. A further referral was made after the man complained that the officers had used a disproportionate amount of force during his arrest.

The man had been placed in the rear of a police vehicle when PC Humphries opened the door and became involved in a brief verbal altercation with him. The officer then dragged the man from the vehicle and forcibly took him to the ground, the IOPC said.

After being bitten by the man, PC Humphries punched him twice in the face before placing his forearm on his neck. The force used appeared to render the man unconscious briefly.

Following a week-long disciplinary hearing, the panel found gross misconduct proven against PC Humphries in relation to breaches of the standards of professional behaviour covering use of force, authority, respect and courtesy, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct. He was given a final written warning for two years.

The panel found that the actions of the other officer involved did not amount to gross misconduct.

IOPC Director of Engagement Emily Barry said: “Any use of force by officers must be reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. PC Humphries failed to deescalate the situation, which instead quickly escalated after they used excessive force.

“PC Humphries has been held accountable for his actions for failing to abide by the professional standards, which are in place to ensure officers safely serve our communities.”