Met Police Officers Found Guilty of Misconduct in Restraining 14-Year-Old Boy
Metropolitan police officers PC McCorley Clewes and former PC Benjamin Morgan have been found guilty of misconduct in their handling of a stop and search involving a 14-year-old black schoolboy in London. The incident took place on June 23, 2022, in Blackhorse Lane, Croydon, at around 5:30 pm.
The officers were responding to reports of a stolen mobile phone, with the description of the suspects matching four black boys aged around 14, three wearing black puffer coats and one in a dark blue hoodie. One of the alleged robbers was said to have claimed they had a knife, although the victim did not report seeing a weapon.
The boy, known as Child B, was alone near the location of the robbery wearing a hoodie when he was stopped for a search. He was handcuffed, taken to the ground, and restrained by the officers. Despite being visibly upset and informing the officers that he was coming from school and wearing his uniform under the hoodie, the search yielded nothing incriminating.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an investigation into the incident after Child B’s mother filed a complaint with the Met police. The watchdog found that the officers’ actions constituted misconduct, specifically relating to the use of force for handcuffing the child for an extended period and failing to make reasonable adjustments for the boy’s age and circumstances.
Consequences and Findings
An independent panel appointed by the Met concluded that PC Morgan’s actions, including repeatedly asking for Child B’s details and threatening to contact his school, were in breach of integrity standards. PC Clewes was found to have breached standards of authority, respect, and courtesy in his interactions with the child’s mother and members of the public.
As a result of the investigation, PC Clewes received a final written warning for two years, while former officer Morgan could not be disciplined as he had already resigned from the force. The IOPC emphasized the need for the Met to address issues related to its policy on visual identification of suspects and recommended refresher training for officers.
Mel Palmer, the IOPC regional director, highlighted the concerning nature of the officers’ actions, noting that Child B was a 14-year-old boy of small stature who was alone with four officers during the stop and search. The failure to consider his age and keeping him in handcuffs unnecessarily raised issues with bystanders at the scene.
Lessons Learned and Recommendations
The investigation identified areas for improvement within the Met related to its policy on visual identification of suspects and the implementation of such procedures. The IOPC recommended refresher training for officers to ensure compliance with best practices and respect for individuals’ rights during stop and search situations.
Moving forward, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to prioritize the protection of minors and vulnerable individuals during police interactions. Proper training on handling diverse populations, understanding the impact of age and circumstances on individuals’ responses, and upholding integrity and respect in all interactions are crucial for maintaining public trust and accountability within the police force.
In conclusion, the findings of misconduct in the case involving the restraint of Child B serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and following proper procedures in law enforcement activities. By learning from past incidents and implementing necessary changes, police departments can work towards building stronger relationships with the communities they serve and ensuring fair and just treatment for all individuals.