Man bitten by police dog - Hertfordshire Constabulary, April 2017

On 22 April 2017 Hertfordshire Constabulary officers conducted an area search in St Albans Road, Hatfield, which led to them finding and arresting a man. Following a struggle to handcuff the man, a police dog handler deployed a police dog, which bit the member of the public.

During the investigation, investigators collected statements from the officers, the man, and a witness. Body-worn video and CCTV footage was examined, as well as other related documents.

At the start of the investigation the Investigator found there was an indication the dog handler’s conduct fell below the standards of professional behaviour and interviewed the officer under misconduct caution.

Evidence indicated that the deployment of the police dog was not appropriate as more officers had arrived and could have restrained him with the minimum use of force. The man also appeared to be in handcuffs at the time he was bitten. A witness also stated that the man did not appear to be struggling once the officers had him in a position to handcuff him.

We were of the opinion that the officer may have a case to answer for misconduct, and that management action would be sufficient to address the matter with the officer.

After reviewing our report, the force agreed. They advised that the dog handler will be the subject of a development plan that will include refresher training on the deployment of his police dog, with assessment by supervisors, as well reading relevant police guidance.