Gross misconduct proven for Suffolk officer over excessive use of force during arrest

A Suffolk Constabulary officer has been given a five-year final written warning for using excessive force during the arrest of a man.

Following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the actions of PC Samuel Robinson, a disciplinary panel, appointed by the force, found he had committed gross misconduct.

Our investigation examined PC Robinson’s actions during a call to a domestic dispute in Lowestoft in June 2021. A report was made that a man was taking property from a storage unit that and had threatened two people with a metal pole, which he had allegedly picked up and waved at them.

Two officers arrived at the scene and were later joined by PC Robinson. The man punched an officer and a struggle between them followed.

As they all attempted to detain the man, PC Robinson unsuccessfully deployed Taser and one of the officers used PAVA spray as the man resisted arrest.

The man was on the ground when PC Robinson struck him on the head three times with the butt of his Taser.

The misconduct panel found that PC Robinson used unnecessary, unreasonable and disproportionate force during the arrest.

This included kicking the suspect while he was on the ground and repeatedly striking him on the head with the butt of his Taser, which the officer described as "improvised hammer blows".

The man sustained a cut to his head which was treated in hospital after officers had administered first aid at the scene.

The panel also found that his use of the Taser in this way was contrary to force training and guidance and that PC Robinson used offensive language to the man while restraining him.

The panel concluded that the officer had breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to use of force and authority, respect and courtesy.

It determined that his actions amounted to gross misconduct and that he should be given a final written warning which would stay on his employment record for five years.

IOPC director of engagement Emily Barry said: “Police officers are entrusted with significant powers, and it is vital that those powers are exercised lawfully, proportionately and with restraint.

“Any use of force must always be necessary, reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. The panel found that PC Robinson's force was unnecessary and disproportionate and his actions clearly fell far below the standards expected of police officers.”

The IOPC investigation reviewed body-worn video footage, officer and non-police officer accounts, relevant force policies and use of force guidance. PC Robinson was interviewed and provided a full account.

We concluded that he should face gross misconduct proceedings.

Our investigation began following a conduct matter referral from Suffolk Constabulary in June 2021 and concluded in April 2022.

We also sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service which charged PC Robinson with actual bodily harm. He was acquitted following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in December 2024.