Officer to receive management advice over abusive language used towards detainee
An officer who was cleared of excessive force after kicking a man in the face has been found guilty of misconduct.
Police Constable John Senior, of Essex Police, claims he was acting in self defence at Chelmsford Police Station in 2016.
But a misconduct panel ruled that he breached standards of authority, respect and courtesy by using abusive language towards the detainee.
He was ordered on Friday (July 20) to take management advice to improve his self-control.
On November 1, 2016, PC Senior was forced to intervene after an arrested man tried to throttle himself in a cell.
CCTV footage showed a struggle between the two men, and the use of bad language by both.
PC Senior denied having used excessive force to restrain the man, and Alexandra Robson, chair of the panel, agreed that the use of force was necessary in the circumstances.
The panel did not hear any evidence from the detainee.
Chief Superintendent Carl O’Malley said: “Essex Police fully supports officers who use reasonable force in carrying out their duties to prevent harm to themselves, their colleagues or members of the public – this force must be justified and proportionate.
“In this case PC Senior was exonerated in his use of reasonable and proportionate force to protect himself and others.
“However, the force will not tolerate police officers using abusive language towards members of the public even in circumstances of extreme distress or provocation and for this reason PC Senior will receive management advice.”