A former police officer dismissed for what has been described as an “aggressive” arrest of a teenager now claims he is being malignantly viewed as an “abuser.” Lorne Castle, who served in Dorset Police, was let go following a disciplinary tribunal’s finding that he committed gross misconduct during the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth on 27 January 2024.

The tribunal ruled that Castle’s actions—characterised by the use of unnecessary physical force and inappropriate language—did not meet the requisite standards expected of police conduct. While Castle admitted to misconduct regarding his treatment of the youth, which included breaching standards of authority and respect, he denied the charges of gross misconduct. According to the tribunal’s findings, Castle’s behaviour was “inappropriate,” especially after he was seen to exert undue pressure on the boy’s throat and employ aggressive language during the encounter, which was recorded by police body cameras.

The situation escalated as Castle tackled the boy to the ground, while the latter was heard pleading, “What have I done?” This dramatic footage has garnered widespread attention, prompting discussions on appropriate policing tactics. A spokesperson for Dorset Police noted that Castle failed to act with self-control and instead resorted to shouting, swearing, and physically overpowering the youth—a display described by many as disproportionate, particularly given the circumstances.

Speaking on LBC radio, Castle provided his perspective, stating that the suspect had been an “unknown risk” while wearing a mask, and emphasized that the youth was found with a knife at the time of the arrest. He maintained that had he known about the weapon earlier, the scenario could have swiftly turned into a firearms incident. “The real danger is the unknown,” he asserted, portraying his actions as a calculated response to a possibly violent situation.

In the aftermath of the incident, Castle reported receiving an overwhelming number of supportive messages, though he was disheartened by the public’s perception of him as potentially abusive. He lamented the scrutiny, saying it was difficult for him, especially given his prior record of ten years of dedicated service, including a bravery award bestowed by the Humane Society. Donations to a GoFundMe campaign launched in his support have also amassed a significant amount, suggesting a divide in public opinion regarding the handling of the incident.

The Dorset Police Federation has expressed concerns over the release of the arrest footage, arguing that presenting selective clips without proper context is neither responsible nor just. They contended that such actions could mislead public opinion and prompt hasty judgments about officers’ conduct. In response to these concerns, Dorset’s Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell stated that the release of body camera footage was intended to combat misinformation. She affirmed the force’s commitment to ensuring that officers exercise their powers proportionately and with respect.

This incident is a part of a broader conversation about police conduct and public accountability in recent years. The disciplinary actions taken against Castle mirror similar cases within the Dorset Police, where other officers have faced scrutiny for misconduct. For example, an former officer was barred from service after unlawfully accessing personal data, exposing serious concerns about internal accountability and standards. Such instances highlight ongoing challenges within the police forces, reinforcing the necessity of public trust, oversight, and transparency in maintaining community relationships.

The narrative surrounding Castle’s appeal and ongoing discussions about police accountability continues to evolve, reflecting the complexities and sensitivities involved in evaluating law enforcement practices in contemporary society.

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Source: Noah Wire Services