Essex police officer cleared of gross misconduct allegations
He was accused of using excessive force during an arrest.
An Essex Police officer has been cleared of gross misconduct allegations following an investigation and subsequent hearing.
PC Leonard Fogg was accused of using excessive force during an arrest, leading to an internal misconduct investigation and a charge of assault. He was cleared of the assault charge at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court in July last year.
Following the acquittal, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) directed Essex Police to hold a misconduct hearing to examine whether PC Fogg had breached professional standards.
The hearing, chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin, addressed allegations that PC Fogg had breached standards of authority, respect and courtesy, use of force, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct.
On Friday 30th January, the misconduct allegations were found not proven.
Commenting on the case, Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said:
“There are occasions where officers are required to use force to safely resolve incidents, to protect themselves, their colleagues and the public.
“It is right, and the public expect, that officers only do so in a reasonable, proportionate and necessary way.
“Officers receive extensive training on use of force.
“On the rare occasions officers are alleged to have fallen below the exceptionally high standards we expect, we will act and ensure the allegations are fairly and properly tested in a transparent manner.”
The misconduct hearing marks the conclusion of the matter, clearing PC Leonard Fogg of any professional standards breaches connected to the original allegations.