Video PC is facing misconduct inquiry
TWO police constables are under investigation after a video emerged of an officer threatening to “make something up’ and arrest a man.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating both of the Lancashire Police for alleged misconduct.
Footage was widely shared on social media in April of a confrontation between a police officer and a member of the public in Accrington.
The man can be heard claiming to be ‘harassed’.
The police officer can be seen stepping close to the man saying: “If you want to f*cking step to me, and push your chest out and something like that then fine, I’ll lock you up. We’ll do that shall we?”
When the member of the public then protests his innocence, insisting he has done nothing wrong, the police officer then adds: “I’ll make something up. Public order. Squaring up to a police officer. Shall I do that?
“Who are they going to believe me or you? Who are they going to believe me or you?”
Lancashire Police later issued an official response to the video, confirming the matter is being investigated.
The force added that it was clear that the member of the public ‘deserves an apology’. The matter was later referred voluntarily by the force to the IOPC.
In a statement the IOPC said: “An IOPC investigation into the actions of two Lancashire Constabulary officers during an incident in Accrington continues.
“On April 17th, officers from the force approached four members of the public on Coach Road.
“Footage of the exchange, between two officers and one of the men , was widely circulated on social media. As a result on April 20th Lancashire Constabulary voluntarily referred the matter.
“We started an independent investigation and subsequently received a complaint about the conduct of the officers which will be considered as part of the investigation.”
One officer, who is alleged to have abused his powers, has been notified that he is under investigation for gross misconduct.
The second officer has been notified that he is under investigation for misconduct for an allegation that he did not challenge or report the conduct of the first officer.
The serving of the notice is not an implication of guilt, but to inform the officer their conduct is under investigation.
IOPC Regional Director, Amanda Rowe, said: “I recognise that this incident has caused concern within the community, and understandably, has raised questions about the conduct of the officers.
“It is our role to independently investigate the matter to ensure the officers are accountable for their actions and to identify if any broader lessons can be learned.
“This work is underway, and is progressing well. Lancashire Constabulary, and the two officers are cooperating with our enquiries.
“We have spoken to the man who was stopped by the officers and we will keep him regularly updated on this investigation.”