A police officer involved in a controversial incident where an escaped cow was rammed by a police vehicle in Staines-upon-Thames will be returning to active duty after an investigation found the tactics used were deemed lawful and necessary, according to Surrey Police.
The incident, which occurred on June 15, sparked outrage after a video of the 10-month-old calf named Beau Lucy being knocked along the tarmac and pinned down by the police car went viral on social media. The public expressed their concerns through over 20,000 messages on social media and 2,000 complaints to the police.
However, after a thorough investigation involving over 250 pieces of video footage and 75 witness statements, it was determined that the actions taken by the officers were within their duties to prevent harm to the public and property. The investigation also consulted animal welfare specialists to assess the situation.
While the incident was acknowledged to be distressing, the police concluded that no criminal offenses were committed, and no further action will be taken against those involved. The driver of the police vehicle will resume frontline duties after necessary organizational learning is conducted to address handling of loose livestock incidents in the future.
Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp expressed the force’s commitment to improving their response to similar incidents and implementing recommendations made by experts. The goal is to prevent such situations from occurring again and to share best practices with other police forces across the UK.
Despite initial criticism from individuals like then-Home Secretary James Cleverly, who questioned the necessity of the forceful tactics used, the police department stands by their decision and maintains that the officer involved acted appropriately in the given circumstances.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement officers face when dealing with unexpected and potentially dangerous situations, highlighting the need for ongoing training and evaluation of response protocols. By addressing the issues raised by this incident, Surrey Police aims to enhance their ability to handle similar scenarios more effectively in the future.
