Police Constable Jonathan Broadhead of the Metropolitan Police Service has been cleared of gross misconduct following an incident where he used a Taser on a 10-year-old girl in Streatham, south-west London.
The incident occurred on 21 January 2021 when officers were called to a residence after the girl threatened her mother with gardening shears and a hammer. PC Broadhead instructed the girl to drop the dangerous tools. When she ignored the commands and began climbing a staircase, he discharged his Taser twice to subdue her.
Following the Taser deployment, the girl was handcuffed and arrested on suspicion of assault but was later de-arrested. She received medical treatment for minor injuries caused by the Taser barbs.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation after the girl’s father filed a complaint regarding the incident.
After a four-day disciplinary hearing, a panel reviewed bodycam footage, witness statements, and PC Broadhead’s interview. The panel concluded that the use of force was necessary, reasonable, and proportionate, finding no breach of professional standards.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) considered the case for criminal charges but decided not to prosecute. A review requested by the family upheld this decision.
The IOPC emphasised that the misconduct hearing was important to maintain public confidence in policing. Mel Palmer, IOPC regional director, stated that the independent chairperson was the appropriate authority to make a ruling on the case.
After the incident, the child was promptly treated; paramedics removed the Taser barbs, and handcuffs were applied to prevent further injury.
This case highlights the challenging decisions police officers face when dealing with minors in crisis situations. The panel’s ruling provides closure and underscores the importance of fairly assessing police actions during tense and high-pressure moments.
Originally published by UKNIP.
