A police officer from the Metropolitan Police was fired after being recorded displaying enjoyment in using force during a BBC Panorama program. The officer, Pc Jason Sinclair-Birt, was heard bragging about using force on a detainee but later claimed he was exaggerating for comedic effect, according to the misconduct hearing.
Commander Jason Prins, the chairman, deemed the officer’s actions as gross misconduct, resulting in his immediate dismissal. Three other officers from the same police station were also dismissed for gross misconduct following their conduct being highlighted in the BBC Panorama program.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Pc Sinclair-Birt was heard describing an incident in which he used force on a detainee, with a colleague stating that he appeared pleased as he recounted the event. The officer denied the allegations of gross misconduct, insisting that his remarks were meant as jokes.
Although footage of the incident was shown during the hearing, it was clarified that Pc Sinclair-Birt did not use excessive force or draw his baton. His remarks were characterized as dark humor in an informal conversation with colleagues. Despite this, he was found to have glorified the use of force during the exchange.
Pc Sinclair-Birt maintained that his comments were not to be taken seriously and were meant for comedic effect. The hearing highlighted that the suspect involved in the incident had been convicted of assaulting an emergency worker.
In conclusion, while Pc Sinclair-Birt’s remarks were found to be inappropriate, it was confirmed that he did not carry out the excessive force he had described. The officer’s use of dark humor was viewed as a coping mechanism in his interactions with colleagues.
