Essex Police officer convicted of assault
The PC used unreasonable force during an incident last year
A serving Essex Police officer has been convicted of assault.
53 year old PC Glen Calvert had been charged as part of an investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct.
It follows an incident in May 2024 in East Road, West Mersea, when PC Calvert responded to concerns for a man’s welfare.
During the incident the man was detained and it was alleged that the PC used unreasonable force. This included forcing him against a fence causing him to fall to the floor, striking him with his knee, and dragging the man to a police van by his handcuffs.
PC Calvert denied the charge but, following a trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, was found guilty.
He was given an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He had been placed on restricted duties following the incident and we will now be liaising with the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding misconduct proceedings.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said:
“There are occasions where our officers may need to use force to resolve a situation and reduce the risk to the public, fellow officers, or the person being detained.
“On the majority of occasions, our use of force is reasonable, proportionate, and necessary, and officers receive training about how to do this.
“In this case PC Calvert’s actions have gone far beyond what is acceptable and he has now been held accountable for his actions.
“The public must have confidence that when they come into contact with us they will be dealt with fairly and proportionately and PC Calvert’s actions go against this.”