Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Officers involved in an incident in Southwark in May 2023 in which a woman was restrained by officers have been advised they will face gross misconduct hearings following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
On 9 May 2023 police were called to an address in SE15 following reports of a disturbance. Officers, all from the Central South Command, attended and identified a 90-year-old woman who was distressed. After officers attempted to engage with her, she was restrained using handcuffs and a spit hood applied after she spat towards officers. The woman was then taken to hospital. She was not arrested.
During the course of the incident, an officer issued a red-dot challenge with their Taser but did not discharge it.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Southwark, said: “While the misconduct hearing will carefully consider all the facts to determine whether the allegations are proven, I want to again acknowledge the distress caused to the woman involved and very real widespread concerns that followed.
“Officers know we expect them to show compassion and to adjust their approach according to the circumstances they are faced with. Over the coming days we will work closely with those communities most affected to ensure they feel heard and supported.
“We have provided every assistance to the IOPC throughout its investigation and will now arrange for the hearing to be held as soon as possible.”
Following an investigation by the IOPC, a PC will answer an allegation they used excessive force through their use of the Taser. They also face allegations about their treatment of the woman during the incident.
In addition, this officer will face allegations they used their Taser inappropriately during an unrelated incident on 10 May 2023. This matter was also subject to an IOPC investigation.
A second PC and a third former PC, who left the Met in August 2024, will face allegations they used excessive force during the original incident and then later provided false statements.
Both serving officers are currently on restricted duties.
A further three PCs will undergo the reflective practice review process to learn from the matter based on various aspects of their behaviour during the incident.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards made a voluntary referral to the IOPC on 18 May following the incident and the IOPC launched an independent investigation.
In July 2023, the IOPC informed six PCs they were under criminal investigation. They were also served with gross misconduct notices.
The Crown Prosecution Service later confirmed the matter did not meet the evidential threshold for charges to be brought.