Police Officer’s Force Against Suspect Deemed Justified

A misconduct panel concluded that a police officer who punched a suspect three times did not violate the expected standards of professional behaviour. PC Brian Long, an officer with West Yorkshire Police, had denied allegations of using excessive force against a suspect in October 2022. The misconduct hearing was informed that PC Long delivered a “backhander” to the suspect after being spat at, and subsequently punched him in the face three times following a headbutt. Stephen Gowland, who chaired the hearing, stated: “We have to think about the dynamic situation that officers are in and how they react.” Mr. Gowland clarified that the panel’s role was to determine if PC Long’s actions were “reasonable, necessary and proportionate.” The incident occurred during the arrest of a domestic abuse suspect, who was also under suspicion of false imprisonment, at an address in Knottingley on the evening of 14 October 2022. Mr. Gowland mentioned that the individual was “known to be violent” and had resisted arrest when he was apprehended at a “drug house.” Body-worn camera footage shown at the hearing depicted PC Long striking the man twice in the stomach while he was pinned to the floor. PC Long later told a colleague he “had to give him a couple of light strikes.” Ian Mullarkey, representing West Yorkshire Police, noted a comment suggesting the suspect had been “Brian’d” by PC Long, who reportedly had an “apparent reputation for using force.” However, Mr. Gowland stated there was no evidence of PC Long having used force in his job previously, and the identity of the person who made the comment was also unknown. The hearing was informed that the officer, who had prior experience in the prison service, did utilize a “bear hug” technique to detain suspects “when feasible,” but Mr. Gowland asserted that he “doesn’t have a propensity to use unnecessary force when on duty.” PC Long described the “backhander” he gave the suspect in a police van after being spat at as a “light tap to prevent further assault.” Mr. Gowland confirmed that the panel agreed the force used was “necessary.” The officer was later believed to have rendered the suspect unconscious when he punched him three times after being headbutted. PC Long testified at the hearing that he had been acting in self-defence and did not use full force, a claim the panel accepted. “There was a possibility of further assault and there was a danger caused by [the suspect] to both officers,” said Mr. Gowland, who also revealed that the man suffered no injuries from the punches. The panel further stated that PC Long’s actions were not deliberate when the suspect hit his head against a door frame while being dragged along the floor by the officer after being punched. Mr. Gowland affirmed that “at no stage” did PC Long “invite an attack” with the language he used towards the suspect, despite telling him he was “all mouth” moments before the headbutt. The panel did conclude that some of PC Long’s language was “unprofessional,” and the officer was ordered to undertake a reflective practice review.