Investigation Reveals Police Misconduct in Search of Black Boy for Robbery
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has revealed that two Metropolitan Police officers engaged in misconduct when they stopped and restrained a 14-year-old Black boy in Croydon. The incident, which took place on June 23, 2022, sparked outrage after footage captured by a passerby went viral on social media.
De-Shaun Joseph, the teenager in question, was handcuffed and restrained on the ground during a stop and search on Blackhorse Lane. The officers involved, Police Constable McCorley Clewes and former PC Benjamin Morgan, faced a disciplinary panel following the IOPC investigation.
The officers, who were part of the Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF), had received a report of a street robbery involving four Black boys around the same age as De-Shaun. The teenager, referred to as “Child B” by the IOPC, was spotted nearby wearing a hoodie. Despite nothing incriminating being found on him during the search, he was kept in handcuffs for an extended period.
IOPC regional director Mel Palmer expressed concern over the officers’ actions, stating that they failed to consider De-Shaun’s age and kept him restrained for longer than necessary. Bystanders at the scene also raised issues with the officers regarding their treatment of the teenager.
De-Shaun, visibly upset by the incident, explained to the officers that he had just come from school and was wearing his uniform underneath his hoodie. His mother, Janet, later spoke out about the ordeal, advocating for the De-Shaun Joseph Justice Bill to ensure a child-centered approach to stop and search procedures.
Findings and Recommendations
After a thorough investigation, an independent panel determined that the officers’ actions constituted misconduct rather than gross misconduct. They were found to have breached police standards of professional behavior, particularly in relation to the use of force and equality and diversity.
Specifically, the panel noted that the officers had handcuffed De-Shaun for an excessive amount of time and failed to make reasonable adjustments for his age and circumstances. PC Morgan’s behavior, including repeatedly asking for the teenager’s details and threatening to contact his school, was deemed a breach of integrity.
PC Clewes also faced criticism for his lack of respect and courtesy when interacting with De-Shaun’s mother and members of the public. As a result of their actions, PC Clewes received a final written warning for two years, while PC Morgan, who had already resigned from the force, could not be sanctioned.
In light of the incident, the panel recommended that the Metropolitan Police implement refresher training on its policies related to the visual identification of suspects and the appropriate use of force during stop and search operations.
Impact and Calls for Change
The case of De-Shaun Joseph has brought attention to the issue of police misconduct, particularly in communities of color. His mother, Janet, has been vocal in her calls for reform, emphasizing the need for a more child-centered approach to policing practices.
The De-Shaun Joseph Justice Bill, proposed in response to the incident, aims to address the systemic issues that have led to the mistreatment of young individuals during police encounters. By prioritizing the well-being and rights of children, advocates hope to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The case has also sparked a broader conversation about racial profiling and bias within law enforcement. Critics argue that incidents like the one involving De-Shaun highlight the need for greater accountability and oversight of police officers, particularly when interacting with marginalized communities.
As calls for police reform continue to grow, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies take proactive steps to address issues of misconduct and discrimination. By promoting transparency, accountability, and community engagement, police departments can work towards rebuilding trust with the communities they serve.
In conclusion, the case of De-Shaun Joseph serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black individuals in their interactions with law enforcement. While the findings of the investigation offer some accountability for the officers involved, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect by the police.
