A Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct for holding a Taser against a 16-year-old Black boy’s neck in a troubling incident that took place in Greenwich, south-east London last year. The officer, Pc Connor Jones, along with a second officer, stopped five teenagers in response to a report of a boy carrying a samurai sword and chasing two others. The situation escalated when one of the boys, Jamar Powell, attempted to walk away from the officers, prompting them to draw their Tasers and handcuff him while he was on his knees. It was alleged that Pc Jones held the Taser against Mr. Powell’s neck, a claim that the officer denied.
The incident, which occurred on September 4, 2020, raised concerns about the officers’ use of force and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement. While no police body-worn video footage was available for the investigation, a disciplinary panel determined that Pc Jones’s actions were not necessary, reasonable, or proportionate. The panel found that his behavior breached the police standards of professional conduct related to the use of force and authority, respect and courtesy, leading to a verdict of gross misconduct.
Despite the finding of gross misconduct, the panel concluded that Pc Jones did not violate the standards of professional behavior pertaining to the use of force or equality and diversity. As a result, he was issued a final written warning that will remain in place for three years. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which oversaw the investigation, emphasized the importance of using stop and search powers reasonably and proportionately, highlighting the unnecessary and oppressive nature of Pc Jones’s actions in this case.
One witness to the incident, Zuriel Williams-Kabasomi, who was also placed in handcuffs during the encounter, provided testimony during the disciplinary hearing. He expressed concern for Jamar Powell’s safety and highlighted the disproportionate treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement. The incident involving the Taser being placed on Mr. Powell’s neck ultimately led to the Met paying him undisclosed damages as part of a legal settlement that included allegations of false imprisonment, assault and battery, direct discrimination, racial harassment, and violations of the Human Rights Act.
The IOPC’s regional director, Mel Palmer, condemned Pc Jones’s behavior as oppressive and bullying, emphasizing that there was no justification for using a Taser against Mr. Powell in the manner described. Palmer stressed the need for accountability and proper training within law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The disproportionate use of Tasers on children from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities compared to their white counterparts has been a longstanding issue, as official figures have indicated.
Subheadings:
The Incident in Greenwich
Witness Testimony and Legal Action
IOPC Findings and Accountability
The Incident in Greenwich
The incident in Greenwich, where Pc Connor Jones held a Taser against Jamar Powell’s neck, shed light on the challenges of policing in diverse communities and the need for officers to exercise restraint and judgment in their interactions with the public. The encounter, which resulted in Mr. Powell and his friends being detained and searched without cause, underscored the importance of proper training and oversight within law enforcement agencies to prevent abuses of power and misconduct.
The initial stop by the officers, responding to a report of a boy carrying a samurai sword, quickly escalated when Mr. Powell attempted to walk away from the scene. The decision to draw Tasers and handcuff the teenagers, particularly in the absence of any evidence of wrongdoing, raised questions about the officers’ handling of the situation. The subsequent allegation that Pc Jones held a Taser against Mr. Powell’s neck added another layer of concern regarding the use of force and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement.
Witness Testimony and Legal Action
Zuriel Williams-Kabasomi, who witnessed the incident involving Jamar Powell and was also detained by the officers, provided a firsthand account of the events that unfolded that day. His testimony highlighted the fear and apprehension felt by the teenagers as they were confronted by armed officers and subjected to what he described as brutalization. Mr. Williams-Kabasomi’s statement underscored the impact that such encounters can have on young people from marginalized communities and the need for greater accountability and transparency in policing practices.
The legal action taken by Jamar Powell, which resulted in the Met paying him damages and acknowledging the misconduct that occurred during the incident, served as a form of redress for the harm caused. The resolution of the case through a legal settlement underscored the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and ensuring that individuals are not subjected to unjust treatment or abuse of power. It also highlighted the role that civil rights laws and legal remedies play in addressing systemic issues of discrimination and misconduct within law enforcement agencies.
IOPC Findings and Accountability
The findings of the IOPC investigation into the incident in Greenwich, which concluded that Pc Connor Jones had committed gross misconduct, signaled a commitment to accountability and transparency in policing. The disciplinary panel’s decision to issue a final written warning to Pc Jones for his actions sent a clear message that misconduct and abuse of power would not be tolerated within the Metropolitan Police. The emphasis on using stop and search powers reasonably and proportionately underscored the need for officers to exercise discretion and judgment in their interactions with the public, particularly when dealing with young people from diverse backgrounds.
The IOPC’s regional director, Mel Palmer, highlighted the oppressive and disproportionate nature of Pc Jones’s actions in holding a Taser against Jamar Powell’s neck, emphasizing the impact that such behavior can have on individuals and communities. Palmer’s statement underscored the importance of upholding professional standards of conduct and ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions. The broader issue of racial disparities in the use of force by law enforcement, as indicated by official figures, raised concerns about systemic biases and the need for reforms to address discriminatory practices within policing.
In conclusion, the incident involving Pc Connor Jones holding a Taser against a 16-year-old Black boy’s neck in Greenwich highlighted the challenges of policing in diverse communities and the need for officers to exercise restraint and judgment in their interactions with the public. The findings of the IOPC investigation and the subsequent disciplinary action taken against Pc Jones underscored the importance of accountability and transparency in policing practices. The testimony of witnesses and the legal action taken by Jamar Powell served as a reminder of the impact that misconduct and abuse of power can have on individuals and communities. Moving forward, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to prioritize professionalism, fairness, and respect in their interactions with the public to build trust and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
