A West Yorkshire Police officer has been cleared of misconduct after using force during an arrest in October 2022, with a panel ruling his actions were reasonable and necessary.
PC Brian Long had denied using excessive force when he struck a suspect multiple times during an incident in Knottingley.
The misconduct hearing examined two specific uses of force – a “backhander” delivered after being spat at and three punches following a headbutt from the suspect.
Panel chair Stephen Gowland emphasised the need to consider “the dynamic situation that officers are in and how they react.”
A West Yorkshire Police officer has been cleared of misconduct after using force during an arrest in October 2022, with a panel ruling his actions were reasonable and necessary (stock image)
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The panel concluded PC Long’s “backhander” in the police van was a “light tap” intended to prevent further assault after the suspect spat at him.
When the suspect later headbutted the officer, PC Long responded with three punches, which the panel accepted were delivered in self-defence and not at full force.
The suspect was thought to have been left unconscious by the punches, though the panel heard he suffered no injuries.
The hearing was also told the suspect’s head struck a door frame while being moved, but the panel ruled this contact was not deliberate on PC Long’s part.
The incident took place during the arrest of a domestic abuse suspect who was wanted for false imprisonment at what was described as a “drug house” in Knottingley.
The suspect was “known to be violent” and actively resisted arrest during the detention, the panel heard.
PC Long, who previously worked in the prison service, was known to use a “bear hug” technique to detain suspects when feasible.
While a comment was made that the suspect had been “Brian’d”, suggesting a reputation for using force, panel chair Gowland found no evidence of PC Long previously using force in his role.
The panel chair emphasised officers must be judged on how they react in fast-moving situations.
“We have to think about the dynamic situation that officers are in and how they react,” Gowland said.
The panel did note some concerns about PC Long’s conduct, finding his language “unprofessional” when he told the suspect he was “all mouth” moments before being headbutted.
However, Gowland said “at no stage” did PC Long “invite an attack” with his choice of words.
As a result of the language used, PC Long has been ordered to undertake a reflective practice review.