Injury sustained during arrest - Staffordshire Police, May 2017

On 1 May 2017, a Staffordshire Police officer arrested a 13-year-old girl following reports of antisocial behaviour and underage drinking. She was abusive to the police officer and resisted arrest.

As the arresting officer drove off with the girl in the back of his police car, a bystander opened the rear door and the girl escaped. The police officer gave chase on foot, apprehended the girl and eventually drove her to custody at Burton police station. She was released from custody the same day.

The girl’s mother telephoned police the next day to report that her daughter had two broken bones in her hand and required surgery. The girl alleged that the police officer caused the injury.

During the investigation, our investigators examined body-worn video footage recorded at the time of arrest and also sought medical advice.

Evidence indicated that the girl sustained her injury during a fall from the moving police car, rather than from the police officer using force.

Based on the evidence available, we found no indication that any person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

After reviewing our report, Staffordshire Police agreed.