Investigation into the actions of two officers who detained and searched a man – Metropolitan Police Service, July 2022

Two police officers were patrolling on bicycles. They were flagged down by a member of the public who alleged that two men were stealing a motorcycle behind a block of flats. The officers made their way to the area and found a man and his friend behind the flats with a motorcycle. 

One of the officers approached the man and asked him whether the motorcycle was his. The man said it was. 

The officer detained the man by putting a handcuff on his left wrist. The officer tried to place the second handcuff on the man’s right wrist but the man pulled his arm away and resisted attempts to be fully handcuffed. 

A scuffle followed and the man was taken to the ground by the officers. The other officer delivered a number of strikes to the man. 

The man became unwell and an ambulance was called. This was cancelled by one of the officers due to long delays with the London Ambulance Service. 

Both the man and his friend were searched for anything which may have suggested they intended to steal the motorcycle. No items were found. 

The man turned down offers to be taken to hospital by the officers. The officers left once ownership of the motorcycle was confirmed and the man’s wellbeing had improved. The incident was filmed by a member of the public who subsequently made a number of complaints. This formed the basis of our investigation.

We received a mandatory complaint referral from the force. We decided to carry out an independent investigation into the conduct of the two officers.

We investigated whether the search was fair and effective, if the force used was necessary, proportionate and reasonable, whether appropriate medical support was provided, whether the officers treated the men with authority, respect and courtesy, and if they treated one of the men less favourably because of their race. 

We also investigated whether officers treated the complainant with authority, respect and courtesy, if they tried to deter the complainant from the scene and intimidate them, and whether the call to the police made by the complainant was taken seriously by call handlers.

Our investigators reviewed Body Worn Video (BWV) and mobile phone footage which captured the incident. The officers were interviewed and statements were taken from police officers who arrived at the scene after the incident. 

Our investigators also met with the person who complained and obtained a statement. We reviewed relevant local and national policy and guidance. 

We sent the case to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided there was insufficient evidence to charge the officers. We directed the force to hold a gross misconduct hearing, which we presented. This hearing happened in November 2024.

At this hearing, the officer who tried to detain the man received a written warning. It was also recommended that the officer receive immediate training on stop and search and use of force. No further action was taken against the other officer. 

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. 

We did not identify any organisational learning in this case.