A Midlands police officer who used excessive force during a struggle with a member of the public has been handed a final written warning. PC Jaswinder Fagura placed a man in a chokehold for several seconds after attending the scene of a serious incident in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, in August 2022.
Incident Details
The officer was on duty when he responded to a serious incident. A cordon was established around the scene, which included the man's vehicle. After waiting approximately one hour, the man asked to leave with his vehicle but was refused. According to a misconduct hearing, the man became abusive and was warned he would be arrested if his behaviour continued. He was subsequently arrested for a public order offence.
Use of Force
During the arrest, PC Fagura placed his arm around the man's neck in a chokehold position for several seconds. The hearing heard that the force used was unnecessary, disproportionate, and unreasonable. When the man asked, "Why were you choking me out like that?" the officer replied, "Because you were being an idiot, that's why."
Misconduct Hearing
The force's professional standards directorate launched an investigation. At the hearing on Wednesday, May 13, at Force HQ at Sherwood Lodge, the panel found PC Fagura breached standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, use of force, and discreditable conduct. He was handed a final written warning for two years.
Nottinghamshire Police stated that the officer apologised for his actions and accepted that the level of force was disproportionate. The final written warning remains in place for two years.
