A former Chief Inspector of Dorset Police has publicly declared the dismissal of PC Lorne Castle as a “scandalous injustice,” which he believes highlights a fundamental failure within the police force. Retired T/Chief Inspector Chris Amey’s fervent condemnation of the decision has stirred significant discussion on social media and within the law enforcement community. Amey, who stated he was “ashamed” to have served in a force that treated a commendable officer in such a manner, argues that this case exemplifies a police culture that is “toxic, bureaucratic, and disconnected from real policing.”

PC Castle, who transitioned from a police community support officer to a police constable, was dismissed following a three-day Gross Misconduct Hearing. This hearing arose from an incident in January 2024, when Castle, despite having completed a ten-hour shift, responded to a violent assault involving a masked suspect. The suspect was accused of assaulting a 14-year-old boy and an elderly man in Bournemouth. The details of the complaint against Castle remain undisclosed, leading to speculation about the nature of the disciplinary proceedings and whether they were justly warranted.

Amey’s staunch defence of Castle’s character illuminates the latter’s distinguished service record. Throughout his career, Castle has earned multiple accolades, including the Commander’s Commendation for community intervention and the Michael Stannard Community Officer of the Year award. Notably, Castle played a pivotal role in disrupting a county lines drug operation, which resulted in the seizure of £15,000 worth of illegal substances. Furthermore, his life-saving rescues demonstrate a commitment to public safety that, according to Amey, has gone unrecognised by his superiors.

The contrast between Castle’s professional conduct and the treatment he received is striking. In June 2023, another Dorset Police Inspector, Nicholas Mantle, was dismissed for sharing racist, sexist, and homophobic messages in a WhatsApp group. This case elicited swift action from the police force, which described Mantle’s behaviour as “completely unacceptable” and indicative of the type of leadership they reject. The discrepancy in the disciplinary responses raises questions about the criteria used to assess police conduct and highlights perceived inconsistencies in how officers are treated based on their actions.

As this case continues to resonate, public outcry has grown, with hashtags such as #JusticeForLorne and #ReformDorsetPolice gaining traction. Supporters of Castle argue it reflects a disconnect between frontline experiences and the internal disciplinary culture of the force. Calls for an independent review have emerged, with former officers and community figures urging the Home Office to intervene in what they believe to be a systemic failure to honour the service and sacrifices made by officers.

Amey warns that if such treatment can be meted out to a decorated officer like Castle, it sets a dangerous precedent for the police force as a whole. The implications for police morale and public trust are profound; both are central to effective policing in communities across the nation.

At present, Dorset Police has remained largely silent in the face of the mounting criticism following Castle’s dismissal. Legal observers and independent watchdogs are expected to scrutinise the misconduct process more closely, with indications that a challenge to the dismissal may arise in the near future. The unfolding situation underscores significant concerns regarding the balance of accountability and support within police forces, which are tasked with both enforcing the law and preserving public trust.

As investigations into police conduct continue, the case of PC Lorne Castle stands as a pivotal moment that could shape future policies and practices within the Dorset Police and potentially influence broader conversations about law enforcement across England and Wales.

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Source: Noah Wire Services