2 UK police officers receive lifetime service bans for using racial abuse and excessive force during arrests News
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2 UK police officers receive lifetime service bans for using racial abuse and excessive force during arrests

Two local police officers in Staffordshire, in England’s West Midlands, were banned from serving for life after an accelerated misconduct hearing held on Wednesday found that the former officers, detective constable Clare Davenport and Special Constable Simon Redford, breached police standards by using racial verbal abuse during arrests and excessive force was used when detaining.

According to the Staffordshire police statement, Redford was investigated last year for other conduct violations, including excessive force. The hearing decided that his actions amounted to gross misconduct. Even though he resigned in September 2022, he will be put on the Policing Barred List and be prohibited from working in policing and other law enforcement bodies. Local news stated that Davenport left the force in April 2023 through retirement, and it was found that she used racist language online throughout her tenure. She is also accused of “deceiving” her colleagues and disrespecting them.

Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett said that excessive force is never acceptable and the minimum amount of force should be used as necessary. She also noted that individuals who do not respect the standards of force and authority, respect and courtesy have no place within the police force. Both would have been fired immediately had they not already left.

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