Police federation 'deeply concerned' over footage in Lorne Castle case
Dorset Police say they made the decision because of the public interest in the outcome of the case - and to challenge misinformation
The Police Federation of England and Wales has been responding to the case of PC Lorne Castle - saying they are 'deeply concerned' by the decision by Dorset Police to publish without context footage.
Read more: Footage released of officer dismissed after incident in Bournemouth
'Deeply concerned'
Acting National Chair Tiff Lynch said: "The Police Federation of England and Wales endorses and supports Dorset Police Federation’s statement in respect of the Lorne Castle case.
"We are deeply concerned by Dorset Police’s decision to publish without context footage from the incident over which Lorne was dismissed from the force and barred from serving as a police officer.
"While we acknowledge the level of public interest in this case, Lorne has the right to appeal the decision and it’s critical that if he does an appeal is heard fairly and impartially.
"Dorset Police must now release further evidence from witnesses to the incident including the wider circumstances of criminal incidents in the area in the previous days, the briefings officers had coming on-shift that day, the 999 call about the incident and any and all CCTV footage that exists.
"We stand firmly behind the principle that police should be held to the highest of standards but those standards must be applied with fairness, proportionality, and a genuine understanding of the realities of a difficult and dangerous job.
"Police officers are overworked, underpaid and increasingly under threat. Ten thousand of them will walk away from the job every year by 2027 because they have copped enough and more than 40,000 are assaulted every year.
"Anyone concerned about public safety here and now needs to reflect on what their community will look like if the exodus of experienced officers is allowed to continue.
"For obvious reasons we cannot comment further on the circumstances in this case but continue to support Lorne as we would any other member."
'High public interest'
In a statement, Dorset Police say they made the decision because of the public interest in the outcome of the case - and to challenge misinformation.
PC Castle admitted misconduct in relation to breaching the standards of professional behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Conduct and Use of Force but denied gross misconduct.
The independent panel, who heard evidence, testimony and viewed Body Worn Video footage during the three-day hearing, found that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct and said the matter was so serious that the only outcome was dismissal without notice.
The independent panel found that PC Castle failed to act with self-control during the incident, and he did not treat the 15-year-old boy with courtesy or respect. His shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy’s face and throat, and suggested use of leg restraints were not necessary, reasonable, or proportionate. The panel found that the force used to take the child to the ground was necessary, reasonable, and proportionate.
The video shows the moment of PC Castle’s arrival and his conduct with the 15-year-old boy at the scene. It finishes when other officers arrive and PC Castle steps away from the child.
Officers added that media reports have noted that the 15-year-old had a knife at the time of his arrest. This is correct. A knife was found around four minutes into the interaction – and after the 15-year-old boy was in handcuffs. PC Castle was responding to information the boy may have been involved in an earlier suspected assault but at no time was there any suggestion of a knife or that a knife had been used.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “I understand the strength of feeling in this case and it is right to be open and transparent about what the independent panel saw, alongside other evidence and testimony. We are sharing Body Worn Video to address concerns about misinformation and to reassure the public that, while tackling crime in Dorset, our officers will continue to be proactive and robust – but by using their powers proportionately and with respect.
“Tackling violence, knife crime and antisocial behaviour are absolutely our priorities.
“At times our officers are required to use force to affect the arrest of suspects, prevent offences and protect the public, their colleagues and themselves.
“I have the utmost respect for the vast majority of officers, who have to use force when making an arrest and do so appropriately and with professionalism, even when they are exposed to risk and violence. They do a tough job and when their actions are proportionate, necessary and reasonable they will always be supported.
“We recognise the risks they place themselves in every day and, as an organisation, we ensure they receive the necessary training so they can correctly and safely arrest suspects, while understanding the importance of treating the public with dignity and respect.
“I would like to remind people that the independent panel gave anonymity to the 15-year-old boy and I urge people not to speculate without fact.”
The formal written outcome of the hearing from the panel chair will be published in due course.