Winfrith, Dorset, UK (Signal High) —– A UK police officer was dismissed after he admitted to using unreasonable force while arresting a 15-year-old child.
Police Constable Lorne Castle (pictured above, left) admitted misconduct in respect to relating to authority, respect, and courtesy, as well as use of force, but denied allegations of gross misconduct. Castle apologized and admitted his behaviour was rude, aggressive, and inappropriate, but claimed to have panicked in the moment.
Review of body-worn camera showed that Castle was responding to reports of two separate assaults. When he located the teenage suspect, his behaviour was aggressive and inappropriate throughout. Castle was seen to have used unnecessary and inappropriate words toward the boy, and placed both hands on his throat. He shouted, swore, finger pointed, and took hold of the boy’s face and throat. The use of leg restraints followed.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell took opportunity to set a pro-police narrative and pat herself on the back, saying “I have the utmost respect for the vast majority of officers who have to use force when making an arrest and do so appropriately and with professionalism, even when they are exposed to risk and violence. They do a tough job and when their actions are proportionate, necessary and reasonable they will always be supported.”
She went on to say, “I have never been in any doubt that PC Castle’s actions were excessive, aggressive and inappropriate and I can understand the communities we serve will be concerned about this case … PC Castle has let the police service and his colleagues down and it is important to reiterate that he does not represent the many hard-working officers and staff of Dorset Police. The outcome delivered by the independent panel reflects the seriousness of this matter and ensures that he will no longer hold a role in policing and the privilege of constable.” Which, of course, explains why Castle wasn’t sacked sooner than he was, and why the police continue to recruit and hire looking for the same old, same old.
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