Kent officers cleared of gross misconduct after 'stressful' IOPC investigation

21 March 2019

Three Kent Police Officers have been cleared of gross misconduct following a lengthy IOPC investigation which had a ‘significant’ impact on their lives and careers.

The incident occurred in Chatham in May 2017 when the officers visited a property in search of an alleged arsonist.

The search was filmed by documentary filmmakers from Channel 5. The officers stood accused of gross misconduct over the way the search was carried out and around the language they allegedly used at the time.

However, an initial force investigation, which opened in September 2017, assessed the case as not being misconduct.

It was reopened by a senior officer and passed to the IOPC which has now exonerated two of the officers while a third received a lesser misconduct verdict.

Neil Mennie, Kent Police Federation Deputy Complaints and Performance Lead Officer said the length of time to conduct the investigations had caused ‘tremendous stress and upset’ to the officers and that it had had a significant impact on their lives.

“Their jobs and livelihoods have been threatened,” he said. “And it’s another example of the disproportionate use of the misconduct regulations by the IOPC.

“The Legally Qualified Chair at the hearing closed it by saying it was a shame the investigation hadn’t been dealt with in a different way, which sums it up.

“For us, it’s about misconduct being dealt with at a proportionate level. The officers have all been on significant restrictions whilst on duty.

“I’ve been with them since day one and they have all been shocked and upset about where they were. It’s had a significant impact on their lives and wellbeing.”

Neil wants to see a more ‘sensible’ approach taken to investigations right from the outset.

“What level of investigation should take place? I know there is a move to change this culture nationally and as well as the toll it takes on officers it’s a cost issue.

“We’ve had to employ a team of solicitors plus three barristers. It can be a very unnecessary, expensive exercise.”