A WEST Midlands Police officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct for his use of force during two arrests.
The force said today in a press release: “Pc Sunil Narr punched a suspect during an arrest in April 2017 in Coventry. He was charged with assault, but was found by a court to have no case to answer.
“In August 2017, other officers reported their concerns about PC Narr’s use of force over an incident in the Hillfields area of Coventry when a man was detained following a police pursuit. The man suffered a head wound when he was struck with a baton by PC Narr.
“Coventry-based Response officer PC Narr was charged with wounding, but cleared by a jury.
“Despite the court results, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which had investigated PC Narr, considered that a panel could find misconduct in PC Narr’s behaviour and a gross misconduct hearing was convened to hear the allegations.
“The independent panel overseen by a legally qualified chair yesterday (Thursday) found gross misconduct was proven in both incidents. He was dismissed without notice.”
Det Ch Supt Chris Todd, head of West Midlands Police Professional Standards, said: “The use of force by PC Narr was completely unacceptable and went against the training that all officers have in safely bringing suspects under control.
“While the criminal cases against him did not result in convictions, the burden of proof at a misconduct hearing is lower, and officers are bound by strict rules on the use of force, which PC Narr clearly breached.
“At a time when police use of force is under scrutiny nationally and internationally, it is more important than ever that our communities have confidence in our professionalism. When officers go beyond what is reasonable, they face serious consequences.”
