West Midlands Police officer dismissed for twice using excessive force

Pc Sunil Narr punched and kicked a suspect after being called to a domestic incident in April 2017. He was charged with assault in relation to the violence but was found by a court to have no case to answer.

Then in August 2017, officers reported their concern about Pc Narr's use of force over an incident when a man was detained after a police chase.

The man was injured after being hit in the head with a baton by Pc Narr.

Response officer PC Narr, who was based in Coventry, was charged with wounding but cleared by a jury.

Both incidents took place in the Coventry area.

Despite the court results, the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), which had investigated Pc Narr, considered that a panel could find misconduct in Pc Narr's behaviour and a gross misconduct hearing was convened to hear the allegations.

The independent panel this week found gross misconduct was proven in both incidents. Pc Narr was dismissed without notice.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Todd, head of West Midlands Police Professional Standards, said: “The use of force by Pc Narr was completely unacceptable and went against the training that all officers have in safely bringing suspects under control.

“While the criminal cases against him did not result in convictions, the burden of proof at a misconduct hearing is lower, and officers are bound by strict rules on the use of force, which Pc Narr clearly breached.

“At a time when police use of force is under scrutiny nationally and internationally, it is more important than ever that our communities have confidence in our professionalism. When officers go beyond what is reasonable, they face serious consequences."

IOPC regional director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, added: “Police officers have a duty and responsibility to only use force that is necessary, reasonable and proportionate.

“Following our thorough investigations, West Midlands Police agreed a gross misconduct panel should hear all of the evidence. A disciplinary panel has now decided that two of three allegations against Pc Narr were proven, amounting to gross misconduct, and dismissed him from the police service.”