Latest news with #ProfessionalStandardsDepartment
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Footage shows police officer appearing to kick man in street
A police force is reviewing footage which appears to show an officer repeatedly kicking a man during an arrest.A video of the incident, which happened in Liverpool on Sunday and shared on social media, shows an officer chasing and tackling a man to the ground before holding him down as a second officer gets out a police car and starts kicking. A Merseyside Police representative said the man had reportedly been riding an off-road bike in a dangerous manner and had failed to stop for police. The force said its Professional Standards Department is reviewing the circumstances of the incident and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if professional standards have been breached. "We are aware of a video being circulated on social media that shows two of our officers carrying out an arrest in Woolton on Sunday 3 August," a force representative said in a statement."The arrest followed an incident when a man was reportedly riding an off-road bike in a dangerous manner on Hillfoot Road and failing to stop for police."Shortly afterwards, the bike was abandoned and this led to short foot pursuit until he was arrested."Our Professional Standards Department are reviewing the circumstances of the incident."As a police force we expect the highest standards from our officers."Where those standards are found to have been breached, we will ensure that appropriate and proportionate action is taken." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Telegraph
Female police officer dies after arrest for sending sensitive information
A female police officer has died suddenly in the wake of her arrest for allegedly sending sensitive information. Pc Claire Browne, 44, was found dead by colleagues after they responded to a 'concern for welfare' call at a house in Netley Abbey, Hampshire, at 11am on Monday July 7. Along with her arrest, she had also been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation into her honesty and integrity, and for allegedly using a police account for non-work purposes. She had worked for Hampshire Constabulary since 2006 and was based in Southampton. In a statement, her family said: 'It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our much-loved Claire. She was a dedicated officer who served the force and the community diligently and compassionately for 19 years. 'Claire will be sorely missed by her many friends and colleagues. Our family is devastated and we ask for understanding, kindness and privacy during this incredibly difficult time.' She was arrested as part of an investigation into the sending of sensitive police information from her work email to her personal account. It is understood that one issue surrounded claims that she had a campervan under her name to avoid any issues with child maintenance payments. Concerns over internal investigations PC Browne is the second serving police officer to die while under investigation by the force's Professional Standards Department, following the death of Pc Alex Hazlett-Beard, a response officer, in February. Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has now ordered an independent review of the department. She said: 'Recent events have understandably raised questions and concerns among officers, staff, and the wider public about how the force handles internal investigations. 'While the force has appropriately referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), I believe it is also necessary to examine more broadly how the Professional Standards Department operates, particularly in terms of support provided to officers under investigation and the culture of those investigations. 'To ensure transparency and fairness, I will be commissioning an independent review, led by a qualified individual from outside policing with relevant experience in assessing organisational practices and wellbeing.' Death 'not suspicious' In a statement, the force's acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: 'Everyone is extremely shocked and saddened by Claire's death, and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and colleagues. 'Claire was a well-loved and respected officer and colleague who had worked in many different departments and teams throughout her policing career. She will be missed by us all.' Hampshire Constabulary confirmed it had referred itself to the IOPC. A spokesman for the force added that Pc Browne's death was 'not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner'.
The Sun
12-07-2025
- The Sun
Police officer, 44, of nearly 20 years dies while on bail after being arrested for sending sensitive information
A POLICE officer who served in the force for almost 20 years has suddenly died while on bail after being arrested. PC Claire Browne, 44, had been arrested following a probe into the sending of sensitive police information from her work email to her personal account. 3 The "much-loved" cop - who was based in Southampton and had worked for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary since 2006 - had also been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation into her "honesty and integrity". Claire was found by colleagues at a home in Netley Abbey, close to Southampton, after concerns for her welfare. Tragically, despite the best efforts of emergency crews, the cop's life could not be saved. Her death has since sparked an independent review of the force's Professional Standards Department. Claire's family released an emotional tribute, saying: "It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our much-loved Claire. "She was a dedicated officer who served the force and the community diligently and compassionately for 19 years. "Claire will be sorely missed by her many friends and colleagues. "Our family is devastated and we ask for understanding, kindness and privacy during this incredibly difficult time." Claire is the second serving police officer to have died while under investigation by Hampshire Constabulary's Professional Standards Department. PC Alex Hazlett-Beard, who had been a part of the same police force, died last February while under investigation for misconduct. Moment hero cop tackles knife-wielding yob who yanks at her hair in frantic broad-daylight brawl on high street Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has now ordered an independent review of the department which investigates officers' conduct. She said: "Recent events have understandably raised questions and concerns among officers, staff, and the wider public about how the force handles internal investigations. "While the force has appropriately referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), I believe it is also necessary to examine more broadly how the Professional Standards Department operates, particularly in terms of support provided to officers under investigation and the culture of those investigations." Jones continued: "This review will not interfere with any ongoing investigations or statutory processes but will help the force and me as commissioner to better understand whether the current systems are appropriate, proportionate, and supportive." 'WELL LOVED AND RESPECTED OFFICER' Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya also paid tribute to the "well loved and respected officer". She said: "Everyone is extremely shocked and saddened by Claire's death and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and colleagues. "Claire was a well loved and respected officer and colleague who had worked in many different departments and teams throughout her policing career. "She will be missed by us all." The police boss also recorded a video message for staff across the force that outlined where support could be accessed. Hampshire Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), following the tragic death. A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers responded to a concern for welfare call at an address in Netley Abbey, at 11am, on Monday 7 July. "Upon arrival officers discovered a 44-year-old woman requiring medical attention. "Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the address. "The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner."
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Cop fakes 100 hours of work-from-home using one keyboard key, gets caught
Silence of Accountability The Uniform Carries Weight; Even from Home The Emotional Distance of a Laptop Screen A Wake-up Call The rise of work-from-home culture brought with it new freedoms — and new temptations. With no one watching over your shoulder, the possibilities for both productivity and pretense widened. For many, this trust became a motivation. For some, it became an opportunity to quietly cut such case, now making headlines in the UK, is that of former police constable Liam Reakes . According to a report by BBC, Reakes was recently found guilty of gross misconduct after faking over 100 hours of remote police work — not with clever software or complex trickery, but by simply holding down the 'Z' key on his June and September 2024, an internal keystroke audit showed Reakes' keyboard activity was unusually high compared to others in similar roles. The audit revealed what was really happening: Reakes had opened blank Microsoft Word documents and pressed a single key to simulate work activity. Investigators later learned this habit may have dated back as far as September didn't attend the misconduct hearing held in June 2025, but he admitted to the activity. Still, he denied it was a deliberate attempt to feign productivity. However, the misconduct panel wasn't convinced. Their conclusion was clear — this was no accident, and the damage was more than the panel, Craig Holden didn't mince words. 'The impact on the trust the public have in the police service will be damaged,' he stated, adding that Reakes lied during the interview process and sustained the deceptive activity over months. In a profession where integrity is expected at every level, this kind of behavior cuts deeper than a lost work report — it hits the ethos of Reakes not already resigned, he would have been dismissed. His name has now been added to a national barred list, effectively ending his career in law enforcement across the defense cited mental health struggles and a lack of institutional support. But according to Barrister Mark Ley-Morgan, who represented the police force, there had been no official mention of such issues. In fact, Reakes had been placed under an action plan, assigned a tutor, and flagged in multiple performance meetings across Supt. Larisa Hunt, head of the Professional Standards Department, addressed the fallout: 'The use of any device or system to replicate keyboard activity is wholly wrong and deceptive. The public will be rightly outraged at this behaviour.' She also noted the strain such actions place on honest officers carrying heavy in her words lies a soft acknowledgment — that systems must not just monitor performance, but also wellbeing. That remote work, especially in high-responsibility roles, needs more than technical audits. It requires conversation, empathy, and case of Liam Reakes isn't just about a dishonest constable. It's a window into the quieter dangers of remote work when mixed with pressure, disillusionment, and silence. For someone tasked with protecting others, the lines between personal struggle and public duty became tragically while pressing a single key might have seemed harmless in the moment, the cost was far heavier — not only for Reakes, but for the uniform he wore, and the institution that trusted companies and public agencies continue to evolve in hybrid and remote work models, this story stands as a reminder: trust isn't measured in keystrokes, but in consistency, honesty, and the courage to ask for help before you choose to pretend.
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Daily Record
Scots gun cops needed hospital treatment for burns after blunder cleaning patrol car
The officers were burnt with alloy wheel cleaner during the incident at the police complex in Glasgow's Helen Street on Sunday night. Two armed response officers needed hospital treatment after they were burned with corrosive chemicals while cleaning their patrol car. The officers were burnt with alloy wheel cleaner during the incident at the police complex in Glasgow's Helen Street on Sunday night. The cops, who were on night shift, are said to have been 'fooling around' and didn't realise they had picked up the cleaner which is known to be highly corrosive. The incident has been reported to Police Scotland's Professional Standards Department for investigation. Sources said the incident led to the officers being treated for burns, including on one officer's bottom. A police source said the substance soaked through their uniforms. They have both been released from hospital. The source said: 'The rumours are they were mucking around with the hoses and while the police are denying it was a water fight, the shift team are saying otherwise. They're both under investigation. 'It's like something out of The Three Stooges but with men who are licensed to carry firearms.' The alloy wheel cleaner in question is typically labelled with hazard symbols and clear warnings about skin contact. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Police sources said a disciplinary investigation is under way. Meanwhile, some officers are said to be fuming the incident has turned them into a 'laughing stock' among colleagues from other departments. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'The incident is being referred to our Professional Standards Department.'
