Avon and Somerset officer given final written warning for using excessive force against a vulnerable woman

An Avon and Somerset Police officer who used excessive force during the arrest of a woman has been given a 5-year, final written warning for gross misconduct, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

A police disciplinary hearing, led by an independent, legally qualified Chair, today (27 February) imposed the sanction on PC Ashley Tucker. 

Following a referral from the force in April 2023, we decided to investigate after a complaint was made on behalf of the woman and concerns were raised by witnesses about the treatment of her during her arrest.

We established that PC Tucker arrested the woman in the Broad Quay area of Bristol for alleged criminal damage to a council litter bin and for being drunk and disorderly. 

The officer made no attempt to speak to the woman before tripping her and abruptly taking her to the floor onto a concrete pavement, close to an oncoming bus. 

When PC Tucker arrived back at the police station, he did not inform staff about the full extent of the force used on the woman. He said he had used handcuffs but failed to mention his use of physical and ground restraint. Custody staff were then unaware of the need to manage any potential harm or injuries to the woman, who suffered significant bruising. The panel found PC Tucker had not breached professional standards in relation to orders and instructions. The woman was released from custody the next day, with no further action taken against her.

When we completed our investigation in September 2023, we decided that PC Tucker should face disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches of police professional standards over the incident. The panel has decided he committed gross misconduct in relation to respect and courtesy and for his use of force.  

We also decided the officer may have discriminated against the woman due to her gender because, earlier on the same evening, PC Tucker dealt politely with two men involved in an unrelated incident and by only issuing them with dispersal notices. In this respect, the panel found PC Tucker did not breach professional standards relating to equality and diversity. 

IOPC Director, Derrick Campbell said: “Police officers are entitled to use force. However, it must be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances faced. 

“The evidence clearly showed that PC Tucker’s use of force was excessive and his actions were unacceptable. He demonstrated a lack of respect for the woman who was in a vulnerable situation. It’s this kind of behaviour which can damage the public’s trust and confidence in police officers."

During our investigation we obtained CCTV from the area, footage taken by a member of the public and statements from the woman and other officers involved. We also reviewed police policies and procedures as well as training material in relation to the use of force.

We also interviewed PC Tucker under criminal caution for the possible offence of common assault and submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided not to bring any criminal charge.