A police sergeant is facing allegations of using excessive force on a man who was handcuffed and brought into custody, with a misconduct hearing revealing disturbing details of the incident. The misconduct hearing was told that Police Sergeant Rhodri Davies, who was on duty at Swansea Central police station on October 24, 2022, allegedly used unnecessary, disproportionate, and unreasonable force against Tariq Evans, who had been arrested and brought in by other officers. The force used by Sgt Davies was deemed unlawful and constituted gross misconduct, according to the allegations presented. Despite denying the claims, the sergeant is under investigation following the arrest of another police officer, PC Jack Williams, who was jailed for assaulting Mr. Evans shortly before he was taken into the custody suite.
PC Williams was found guilty of assault by beating at Newport Crown Court in August 2023, leading to a separate inquiry into Sgt Davies’ conduct after a fellow officer raised concerns about the use of excessive force on Mr. Evans. The misconduct panel in Bridgend heard testimony from PC Steve Rees, who alleged that Sgt Davies employed unnecessary force without any justification on the handcuffed prisoner. The hearing revealed that after Mr. Evans was brought into the station, Sgt Davies allegedly took him to the ground, used unsafe techniques to lift him by the handcuffs, and struck him multiple times. Furthermore, it was alleged that upon moving Mr. Evans to a cell, Sgt Davies applied a dangerous restraint by placing his hand in a “C clamp” position on the back of the prisoner’s neck while exerting pressure and striking him with his knees.
Video evidence from body cameras and surveillance inside the police station displayed Mr. Evans in a distressed state upon arrival, with his hands cuffed behind his back. The footage captured a chaotic scene with officers surrounding Mr. Evans, who was pulled to the ground and subjected to physical blows. The audio recorded voices instructing Mr. Evans to relax as he was escorted to a cell, all the while crying out in distress before being struck again and left on a bed. The footage also included explicit language and aggressive remarks exchanged among the officers present during the incident.
During the hearing, allegations were outlined against Sgt Davies, including breaches of Standards of Professional Behaviour related to the use of force and discreditable conduct. The officer faces accusations of unnecessary, disproportionate, and unlawful use of force, which is considered a violation of police standards. Testimonies provided by witnesses, including Inspector Emma Jones and Chief Inspector Jared Easton, shed light on the events surrounding the alleged misconduct, with discussions on the handling of the case and potential conflicts of interest among personnel involved in the investigation. Despite objections raised during the hearing, it was decided that Mr. Evans would not be required to testify in person, with his witness statement and the existing video evidence deemed sufficient for the proceedings.
As the misconduct hearing continues, the revelations of excessive force and potential wrongdoing within the police force have highlighted concerns around accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards and ensuring that officers adhere to protocols when handling individuals in custody. The outcome of the hearing will have significant implications for the officers involved, as well as the broader implications for maintaining public trust and confidence in the police service. The pursuit of justice and the fair treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system remain paramount, underscoring the need for thorough investigations and adherence to ethical standards within law enforcement agencies.