A Nottinghamshire police constable has been handed a final written warning after using excessive force while attending an incident.
PC Jaswinder Fagura was on duty when he attended a serious incident in Kirkby-in-Ashfield in August 2022. A cordon was placed around the scene, which included a member of the public’s vehicle.
Having waited approximately one hour, the member of the public requested that he be allowed to leave with his vehicle, but this was declined.
The hearing heard that the member of the public became abusive, and he was warned that he would be arrested if his behaviour continued.
He was then arrested for a public order offence. During the struggle, the hearing heard how PC Fagura placed his arm around the man’s neck in a chokehold position for several seconds.
The hearing heard that the force was ‘unnecessary, disproportionate and unreasonable’.
When asked by the member of the public, “Why were you choking me out like that?” PC Fagura replied, “Because you were being an idiot, that’s why.”
Nottinghamshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate carried out a thorough investigation into the allegations made.
A gross misconduct hearing was held at Force HQ at Sherwood Lodge on Wednesday 13 May. It was open to both the press and the public.
The panel found that the officer had breached the standards of professional behaviour, including authority, respect and courtesy, use of force, and discreditable conduct.
He was found guilty of misconduct and handed a final written warning for two years. PC Fagura apologised for his actions and accepted that the level of force was disproportionate.
