PC accused of excessive force during arrest

A West Midlands police officer has been charged following an investigation into claims of excessive force during an arrest in Wolverhampton. Allegations include assault with Pava spray and unauthorized use of police recording equipment. Court proceedings are upcoming.

A West Midlands police officer has been formally charged following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concerning claims of excessive force during an arrest in Wolverhampton.

Details of the Allegations

Police Constable Brandon Harrison is facing several charges stemming from an incident on 16 August. The allegations against him include one count of actual bodily harm and one count of using Pava incapacitant spray against a restrained individual. In addition, he is charged under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

The IOPC reports that Harrison allegedly struck a man wanted for failing to attend court in the head. It is also claimed that he sprayed Pava directly into the man’s face at close range while the individual was restrained in a police cell.

Incident Background

The situation began when officers attended an address in Wolverhampton following a dropped 999 call, during which a disturbance could be heard. West Midlands Police submitted a mandatory conduct referral to the IOPC on 8 September of the previous year, which initiated the investigation that has resulted in the current charges.

Additional Allegations

Besides the claims of physical assault, PC Harrison is accused of violating the Computer Misuse Act 1990. The allegation concerns transferring police body-worn camera footage to his personal mobile phone without any official policing purpose. This action is considered unauthorized under the act.

Legal Proceedings

Harrison is scheduled to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Monday to answer the charges. The results of this court appearance will determine the next steps in the legal process and whether the case will continue through the courts.

Public and Media Access

Updates on the case are available through BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country across platforms such as BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Additional official information regarding the proceedings can be accessed via the HM Courts & Tribunals Service online portal.

Key Points Summary

• PC Brandon Harrison charged with assault and improper use of Pava spray.
• The incident took place during an arrest in Wolverhampton on 16 August.
• Additional charge under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 for unauthorized recording of body-worn camera footage.
• Investigation triggered by West Midlands Police mandatory conduct referral to IOPC.
• Court appearance scheduled at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court to address the charges.

Sources:

• West Midlands Police officer charged with assault during an arrest in Wolverhampton
• West Midlands Police officer charged with assault and PAVA misuse
• PC accused of using excessive force during arrest