Officer given final written warning for excessive force during arrest of woman
An Avon and Somerset Constabulary officer who used excessive force during the arrest of a woman has been given a five-year final written warning for gross misconduct.
It followed investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after a complaint was made on behalf of the woman and concerns were raised by witnesses about the treatment of her during her arrest.
PC Ashley Tucker arrested the woman in the Broad Quay area of Bristol for alleged criminal damage to a council litter bin and for being drunk and disorderly.
The IOPC said the officer made no attempt to speak to the woman before tripping her and abruptly taking her to the floor onto a concrete pavement, close to an oncoming bus.
When PC Tucker arrived back at the police station, he did not inform staff about the full extent of the force used on the woman. He said he had used handcuffs but failed to mention his use of physical and ground restraint, the IOPC said.
It added: “Custody staff were then unaware of the need to manage any potential harm or injuries to the woman, who suffered significant bruising.
“The panel found PC Tucker had not breached professional standards in relation to orders and instructions. The woman was released from custody the next day, with no further action taken against her.”
On completion of its investigation in September 2023, which followed a referral from the force in April, the IOPC decided that PC Tucker should face disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches of police professional standards over the incident.
The panel, led by an independent, legally qualified chair, decided he committed gross misconduct in relation to respect and courtesy and for his use of force.
“We also decided the officer may have discriminated against the woman due to her gender because, earlier on the same evening, PC Tucker dealt politely with two men involved in an unrelated incident and by only issuing them with dispersal notices,” said the IOPC.
In this respect, the panel found PC Tucker did not breach professional standards relating to equality and diversity.
IOPC Director, Derrick Campbell said: “Police officers are entitled to use force. However, it must be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances faced.
“The evidence clearly showed that PC Tucker’s use of force was excessive and his actions were unacceptable. He demonstrated a lack of respect for the woman who was in a vulnerable situation. It’s this kind of behaviour which can damage the public’s trust and confidence in police officers.”