Police to be retrained
After an arrest went terribly wrong, it has been revealed that all Greater Manchester police will be re-trained.
The move comes after a man received personal injury when he was arrested and subsequently lost an eye and suffered a broken leg.
The 43-year-old experienced the injuries as he was being arrested by a sergeant and a PC. As a result, all 8,000 officers will be re-taught.
The officers faced a criminal injury claim, but were charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following an inquiry. However, the case collapsed after prosecutors decided the statement given by the claimant could not be trusted.
The arrest and court case
The incident took place at Hitchen Foods in Higher Ince, Wigan, in June 2007, when the criminal, who was high on amphetamines, believed staff were demons. Police were subsequently called and during his arrest he suffered a fractured right cheekbone and fractured right eye socket.
Despite the claim by the man, no evidence was offered against the law enforcers, and they were formally acquitted at Liverpool Crown Court last September.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) decided that a disciplinary hearing should not take place, but has recommended the two officers be removed from front line policing while they undergo refresher training, in a report.
The watchdog further told the GMP to ensure that officers across the force are better trained to deal with similar violent situations. GMP supported the report and all its 8,000 officers are now being retrained.
The officers will now receive formal advice and undergo refresher training in the use of self-defence tactics and the legislation and principles covering the use of force.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “GMP agree with the findings of the IPCC report and regret the serious injuries that this man suffered. We must however take into account the volatile and hostile situation that the officers were faced with on that night.
“This man, who suffers from mental health issues, had taken a considerable amount of amphetamines that night which affected his behaviour. He acted in an extremely violent and unstable manner and continued to fight against every effort made to restrain him.
“He not only posed a serious risk to the officers and members of the public, but also to himself. This however, does not excuse the fact that this man suffered serious injuries and as a result we immediately removed these officers from front line operational duties following the incident in June 2007.”
IPCC Commissioner Naseem Malik said: “Our investigation highlighted real concerns about the force used by these officers in detaining this man.
“The evidence collected as part of our investigation supports the view that excessive force was used. I appreciate they were handling a difficult situation on that night but it is important they understand the level of concern around their actions.”
The man’s family are now filing a compensation claim against GMP.
Updated on 10/03/2010