Latest news with #DorsetPoliceFederation
BBC News
18 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Video by Dorset Police shows dismissed officer arresting teen
Video footage showing the arrest of a 15-year-old boy, which led to the dismissal of a police officer has been released by Dorset independent panel found PC Lorne Castle's actions amounted to gross misconduct, and he was dismissed without panel found Castle did not treat the teenager with courtesy or respect, and that his shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy's face and throat, and suggesting the use of leg restraints were not necessary, proportionate or panel found the force used to take him to the ground was necessary, reasonable and proportionate. In the footage, the boy is audibly distressed, and keeps asking why he is being Police said a knife was found on the boy afterwards, but beforehand there had been no suggestion he was armed or that a knife had been force said no further action was taken against the teenager, but he was issued with an out of court disposal for possessing the Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said the force was sharing the footage to be transparent and address misinformation. In reaction to the release of the video the Dorset Police Federation said the force had not provided "context or balance" and "entices the public into making judgements without having the benefit of all the facts".It said that the footage failed to show a "double-bladed knife" which fell from the clothing of the added that the officer was warned to be "extra cautious" ahead of the arrest, due to a mass brawl in the town centre just two nights before, which involved youths with "machetes and knives"."The reason for the release appears primarily to be an attempt by Dorset Police to manage some of the public criticism the force has received following the decision to dismiss the officer, rather than a genuine desire to properly inform the public," the Federation Castle has previously apologised and admitted his behaviour was "rude", but said he "panicked in the moment". You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Metro
a day ago
- General
- Metro
PC sacked for not showing 'courtesy' to knife-wielding teenager during arrest
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A police force has been criticised by its own officers for releasing footage of a PC 'behaving aggressively and using unreasonable force' while arresting a teenage boy. PC Lorne Castle was sacked for gross misconduct after a disciplinary hearing held by Dorset Police following the incident in Bournemouth town centre on January 27, 2024. The two-minute clip released on Tuesday shows the officer tackling the boy to the ground before taking hold of the teenager's face and throat while repeatedly swearing and shouting at him. He can be heard shouting and crying 'what have I done' and 'what did I do' before the officer shouts: 'Stop screaming like a little b****, do you understand that? Shut up.' The teenager also screams 'my f****** neck, get off me, I don't want you on me', while PC Castle is on top of him. The officer later shouts 'Stop resisting or I'm gonna smash you, do you understand?' and says the boy is being arrested on suspicion of assault. In a statement, Dorset Police said they had chosen to release the body-worn video because of the 'high level of public interest in the outcome of the misconduct hearing locally and to challenge misinformation'. But the Dorset Police Federation said in a statement of their own the release 'appears primarily to be an attempt by Dorset Police to manage some of the public criticism the force has received following the decision to dismiss the officer, rather than a genuine desire to properly inform the public'. PC Castle previously admitted misconduct in relation to breaching the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, conduct and use of force but denied gross misconduct, the force added. However, an independent panel found that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct and PC Castle was dismissed without notice. The video formed part of the evidence reviewed by the panel during the three-day hearing which concluded on May 29. A knife was found around four-minutes into PC Castle's interaction with the boy, after he had been put in handcuffs, Dorset Police said. The force added that the officer had been responding to information that the teenager may have been involved in an earlier suspected assault, but at no time was there any suggestion that a knife had been used. No further action was taken against the boy in relation to the reported assaults and he was issued with an out of court disposal for possessing the knife, according to police. Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: 'I understand the strength of feeling in this case and it is right to be open and transparent about what the independent panel saw, alongside other evidence and testimony. 'We are sharing body worn video to address concerns about misinformation and to reassure the public that, while tackling crime in Dorset, our officers will continue to be proactive and robust – but by using their powers proportionately and with respect. 'Tackling violence, knife crime and antisocial behaviour are absolutely our priorities. 'At times our officers are required to use force to affect the arrest of suspects, prevent offences and protect the public, their colleagues and themselves. '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.' In a statement Dorset Police Federation criticised Dorset Police's decision to release the footage, saying the force had done so 'without also providing context or balance'. It continued: 'The clip released by Dorset Police fails to show the double-bladed knife which falls from the clothing of the suspect at the end of the arrest and that potentially could have been used to inflict serious harm on the officer, the officers' colleagues or a random member of the public. 'It fails to mention the context that – in an early morning briefing – the officer was warned to be extra cautious due to a mass brawl in the town centre just two nights before, a brawl involving youths with machetes and knives, some of the offenders for which were still outstanding.' The federation added that 'many aspects of the arrest and the force used by the officer were deemed to have been justified, proportionate and reasonable by the independent panel'. More Trending 'Our view is that the showing of selective clips of an officer's body worn video is not a useful or responsible way to properly inform the public about an incident – and only serves to entice the public into making judgments without having the benefit of all the facts. 'This is not fair or just.' The formal written outcome of the hearing will be published at a later date. PC Castle will also be placed on the police barred list, preventing him from holding any future role in policing. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Madeleine McCann prime suspect gives first interview as new searches launched MORE: Three Brits face firing squad for 'smuggling cocaine inside Angel Delight sachets' MORE: First picture of 'loving' teenager who died after motorbike plunged into canal
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Police afraid to use force after ‘woke witch hunt'
Police are 'concerned' about using force while making arrests after a 'woke witch hunt' resulted in a decorated officer being dismissed for gross misconduct. Dorset Police Federation has called for 'urgent clarification' from senior officers about the implications of using force, including by those 'who make genuine mistakes when doing so'. It comes after Lorne Castle was dismissed for behaving aggressively and using unreasonable force during an incident in Bournemouth in January last year. Castle is alleged to have told a youth who was found to be in possession of a knife to 'stop screaming like a b---h' and threatened to 'smash him' before putting his hands around the boy's neck. Campaigners have since hit out at Dorset Police, calling the force 'woke' and claiming Mr Castle had been 'thrown under a bus'. Dorset Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers such as Mr Castle, said its members were now doubting themselves over whether they should manhandle suspects to overpower them. A spokesman said: 'Dorset Police Federation has been overwhelmed by the response by our members since the outcome of this case – colleagues are understandably concerned about what the outcome of this case means for them and their use of force. 'It must be said that we note the strength of feeling from members of the public in Dorset over this incident as well. 'We are seeking urgent clarification from Dorset Police about the implications of using force for officers, including those who make genuine mistakes when doing so. 'We are also keen to review the sustainability of our training provisions around the use of force to ensure that it is fit for purpose. We want to ensure that our members feel that they will be supported when using force lawfully and proportionately.' 'Woke and weak agenda' In a decade as a PC, Mr Castle was twice commended for saving the lives of members of the public. In 2023, he put his own safety at risk to rescue a woman from being swept away in a flooded river. In 2021, he was made Dorset Police's officer of the year for his 'outstanding service' and for undertaking every shift 'with the personal commitment to make a difference and do the right thing'. At the time of the arrest last year, the youth was wanted in connection with an assault on an elderly member of the public on Bournemouth seafront and for being part of a gang attack at a McDonald's restaurant. As three officers struggled to restrain him and handcuff him, a three-inch knife fell out of his pocket. One end was a lock knife and the other a Stanley knife. The teenager claimed it was for use at his work. Campaigners have hit out at Dorset Police over the officer's dismissal, with a petition on calling for him to be reinstated. Some have also called for the Home Secretary to intervene. Chris Amey, who served in the police for 30 years, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to pay Mr Castle's wages. He accused Dorset Police of pursuing a 'woke and weak' agenda. Mr Amey, a retired chief inspector, said: 'Dorset Police have completely lost touch with reality and the community they serve. 'If you have been following this case you will see a significant overwhelming positive response from huge numbers of the general public, both via social media and in person to Lorne himself. 'It is fantastic to see that this woke and weak agenda will no longer be tolerated. I couldn't stand by and watch a good man and his family suffer at the hands of what can only be described as a 'witch hunt'. 'The decisions made in this case have serious and unprecedented consequences for all serving officers looking to proactively stop and search or arrest offenders in possession of bladed weapons. Are they all now expected to go up to such offenders and politely ask them if they'd kindly hand over anything nasty they might have on them?' 'Unbelievable amount of public support' He added: 'The Home Office should be looking at this, and if I was the Home Secretary I would be really concerned about what's going on at Dorset Police at the moment. It was an abysmal decision to dismiss him. All common sense has gone out of the window.' Mr Castle, a married father of three, has thanked people for the 'unbelievable amount of public support'. He said: 'I can't say how much the messages and public support have meant. It's been a tough time, it's been hard on me and my family. I'm OK, I feel free for the first time since I joined this job. Who knows what the future holds, but I had to say thank you.' A spokesman for Dorset Police said: 'An independent panel reviewed all the evidence in relation to this incident and found PC Lorne Castle had committed gross misconduct, having breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy, conduct and use of force after he behaved aggressively and used unreasonable force while arresting a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth town centre. 'We continue to support our colleagues where they use force in a lawful and proportionate way and the standards of behaviour, that the public expect, are upheld. We are working hard to maintain and improve trust and public confidence in policing and tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a Force priority.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Police afraid to use force after ‘woke witch hunt'
Police are 'concerned' about using force while making arrests after a 'woke witch hunt' resulted in a decorated officer being dismissed for gross misconduct. Dorset Police Federation has called for 'urgent clarification' from senior officers about the implications of using force, including by those 'who make genuine mistakes when doing so'. It comes after Lorne Castle was dismissed for behaving aggressively and using unreasonable force during an incident in Bournemouth in January last year. Castle is alleged to have told a youth who was found to be in possession of a knife to 'stop screaming like a b---h' and threatened to 'smash him' before putting his hands around the boy's neck. Campaigners have since hit out at Dorset Police, calling the force 'woke' and claiming Mr Castle had been 'thrown under a bus'. Dorset Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers such as Mr Castle, said its members were now doubting themselves over whether they should manhandle suspects to overpower them. A spokesman said: 'Dorset Police Federation has been overwhelmed by the response by our members since the outcome of this case – colleagues are understandably concerned about what the outcome of this case means for them and their use of force. 'It must be said that we note the strength of feeling from members of the public in Dorset over this incident as well. 'We are seeking urgent clarification from Dorset Police about the implications of using force for officers, including those who make genuine mistakes when doing so. 'We are also keen to review the sustainability of our training provisions around the use of force to ensure that it is fit for purpose. We want to ensure that our members feel that they will be supported when using force lawfully and proportionately.' In a decade as a PC, Mr Castle was twice commended for saving the lives of members of the public. In 2023, he put his own safety at risk to rescue a woman from being swept away in a flooded river. In 2021, he was made Dorset Police's officer of the year for his 'outstanding service' and for undertaking every shift 'with the personal commitment to make a difference and do the right thing'. At the time of the arrest last year, the youth was wanted in connection with an assault on an elderly member of the public on Bournemouth seafront and for being part of a gang attack at a McDonald's restaurant. As three officers struggled to restrain him and handcuff him, a three-inch knife fell out of his pocket. One end was a lock knife and the other a Stanley knife. The teenager claimed it was for use at his work. Campaigners have hit out at Dorset Police over the officer's dismissal, with a petition on calling for him to be reinstated. Some have also called for the Home Secretary to intervene. Chris Amey, who served in the police for 30 years, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to pay Mr Castle's wages. He accused Dorset Police of pursuing a 'woke and weak' agenda. Mr Amey, a retired chief inspector, said: 'Dorset Police have completely lost touch with reality and the community they serve. 'If you have been following this case you will see a significant overwhelming positive response from huge numbers of the general public, both via social media and in person to Lorne himself. 'It is fantastic to see that this woke and weak agenda will no longer be tolerated. I couldn't stand by and watch a good man and his family suffer at the hands of what can only be described as a 'witch hunt'. 'The decisions made in this case have serious and unprecedented consequences for all serving officers looking to proactively stop and search or arrest offenders in possession of bladed weapons. Are they all now expected to go up to such offenders and politely ask them if they'd kindly hand over anything nasty they might have on them?' He added: 'The Home Office should be looking at this, and if I was the Home Secretary I would be really concerned about what's going on at Dorset Police at the moment. It was an abysmal decision to dismiss him. All common sense has gone out of the window.' Mr Castle, a married father of three, has thanked people for the 'unbelievable amount of public support'. He said: 'I can't say how much the messages and public support have meant. It's been a tough time, it's been hard on me and my family. I'm OK, I feel free for the first time since I joined this job. Who knows what the future holds, but I had to say thank you.' A spokesman for Dorset Police said: 'An independent panel reviewed all the evidence in relation to this incident and found PC Lorne Castle had committed gross misconduct, having breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy, conduct and use of force after he behaved aggressively and used unreasonable force while arresting a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth town centre. 'We continue to support our colleagues where they use force in a lawful and proportionate way and the standards of behaviour, that the public expect, are upheld. We are working hard to maintain and improve trust and public confidence in policing and tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a Force priority.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Police express concern over use of force after officer fired for ‘aggressively' detaining knife wielding teen
COPS are worried about using force when making arrests after a colleague was sacked for his 'aggressive' detaining of a knife-carrying teen. The Dorset Police Federation is seeking 'urgent clarification' from senior officers after PC Lorne Castle was found guilty of gross misconduct. 1 PC Lorne Castle was found guilty of gross misconduct after 'aggressively' detaining a teen with a knife Credit: BNPS He stepped in after the 15-year-old was suspected of assaulting two people, one and elderly man, in Father-of-three Castle, 46 — winner of a national bravery award last year — had pinned him against a wall before taking him to the ground. Former officer Keith Clothier said: 'A good cop has had his career flushed down the toilet, for what? "Failing to show courtesy and respect to a knife-carrying thug. Read More on UK News He added: 'The country is in the grip of a knife crime epidemic and this is the message we are sending out to those that would flout the law? 'Those who have been involved in this decision should hang their heads in shame, as we have good experienced officers leaving in droves because they don't feel supported in the job they once loved.' Dorset Police said: 'Tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a force priority. 'We continue to support our colleagues where they use force in a lawful and proportionate way and the standards of behaviour, that the public expect, are upheld." Most read in The Sun Former policeman Joe Terry added: 'I have never in my life seen such an outpouring of support from the public for an officer as I have in the past week." Two top cops accused of mocking a colleague's Irish accent in 'grossly offensive' leaving video
