Complaints against officers

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Jim Mallen, Chairman of Bedfordshire Police Federation, said he was "sick to death of the IOPC needlessly putting the boot into hard working cops" after an officer is cleared of gross misconduct.

Bedfordshire Police Federation Chairman Jim Mallen

Date - 22nd December 2019
By - Chloe Livadeas

Bedfordshire Police Federation Chairman has criticised the IOPC after a PC was cleared last Thursday of gross misconduct two years after the incident in question.

On 14 December 2017 PC Richard Howlett was assigned to an operation where a 15 year old boy swore at him, called him a pig and made snorting noises. Despite warnings to desist he continued and PC Howlett arrested the boy, who resisted. The struggle caused a minor arm injury that required their arm to be placed in a sling.

The matter was referred to the IOPC following a complaint by the boy’s father and subsequently an investigation was launched.

A misconduct hearing commenced 16 December 2019.

The panel heard evidence from a number of witnesses including PC Howlett and the complainant and yesterday unanimously dismissed all five allegations against PC Howlett with a decision of “no case to answer”.

A statement posted on the Bedfordshire Police Federation’s Facebook page read: “This investigation by any conservative view was unnecessary and an example where the IOPC would appear to side with a Youth engaging in anti-social behaviour by castigating the lawful actions of a Police Officer who was trying to keep the Shefford community safe.”

Mr Mallen said: “The cost to the public purse to allow this IOPC directed Hearing to take place is a shameful waste of tax payers’ money. It is another failure for the IOPC and again brings into question their independence and treatment of Police Officers.”

“This decision by the panel comes as a great relief to PC Howlett and his family who have endured two years of worry.”

“Police Officers, as they did that night, put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, with little thought for their own safety. As a society we must support our Police Officers especially when they are engaged in public order duties.”

Mr Mallen told Police Oracle: “Like many other people I’m sick to death of the IOPC needlessly putting the boot into hard working cops.”

He said: “This officer used proportionate force which is legal in those circumstances and anybody with any sensible viewpoint can see that but for some reason the IOPC saw it differently.”

He went on to say: “The IOPC have got be far more objective in what they’re trying to achieve. Cases are failing time after time and this must send out a message that there there’s something wrong inherently with their action or otherwise they would see more people sanctioned.”

“They need to recognise that police officers are trying to do a difficult job in challenging circumstances.”

Mr Mallen added: “Overarching all of this is the length of time it took while the officer’s professional life was on pause. He was marginalised into an admin role so the tax payers of Bedfordshire suffer two folds because they had two years without an officer and they have to stump up the cash for the hearing.”

Mr Mallen said he wanted to pay tribute to PC Howlett for the way he has conducted himself throughout the two year investigation and to thank Bedfordshire Police for supporting the officer throughout.

IOPC Regional Director Sarah Green, said:

"The welfare of officers – most of which are treated as witnesses to our investigations – is highly important to us and is a constant consideration during investigations and we always aim to complete these in a timely manner. Overall our performance on timeliness has improved significantly, and we are now completing just under 80% of investigations within 12 months.

"Our job is to ensure the public can have confidence in policing – and as part of this we do where necessary direct forces to hold hearings where the threshold for doing so is met, so that a Panel can reach a final determination as to whether misconduct has been committed or not. In this case after a full hearing the Panel has determined that the officer has not committed misconduct or gross misconduct.”

Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “We recognise the IOPC has a difficult job to do, however it is important to clarify this was a directed hearing. The force position has always been similar to that of the panel in that we felt this was a case that could have best been addressed as a learning issue. 

He went on to say: “I spoke with PC Howlett yesterday and I know the impact this has had on him, and his family, for the duration of the investigation. Despite having this hearing hanging over him, he has continued to carry out his duties with the utmost respect and integrity which reflects his excellent character. I’m pleased that he and his family will now be able to put this behind them and enjoy Christmas free from the worry over this matter.”

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The IOPC are a law unto themselves. The platitudes from IOPC Regional Director Sarah Green, where she said:

"The welfare of officers – most of which are treated as witnesses to our investigations – is highly important to us and is a constant consideration during investigations and we always aim to complete these in a timely manner. Overall our performance on timeliness has improved significantly, and we are now completing just under 80% of investigations within 12 months.

"Our job is to ensure the public can have confidence in policing – and as part of this we do where necessary direct forces to hold hearings where the threshold for doing so is met, so that a Panel can reach a final determination as to whether misconduct has been committed or not. In this case after a full hearing the Panel has determined that the officer has not committed misconduct or gross misconduct.”

Sorry but this is an outrageous comment where she is just trying to justify the actions in this case. This case does not only stand on its own as we have seen reported alleged misconduct case which have gone on for many years. Is it not time that they were accountable for their actions and decisions.