Indian origin cop dismissed for using unreasonable force during an arrest

A police officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct after she used unreasonable force during the arrest of a man.

PC Mandeep Dharni, attached to North West Command Unit, appeared at a misconduct hearing on Thursday, 7 September after an incident on 3 September, 2021 in a car park in Barnet.

It was alleged that PC Dharni failed to use the appropriate force and failed to act with authority, respect and courtesy when restraining a man, who was later charged with criminal damage and public order offences.

A video of the incident was shared on social media and the officer was placed on restricted duties.

The matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which referred it back to the Met’s professional standards team to investigate.

After hearing all the evidence, the misconduct panel found breaches of standards of professional behaviour in relation to authority, respect and courtesy, use of force and discreditable conduct proven at the level of gross misconduct and PC Dharni was dismissed without notice.

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, in charge of policing in north-west London, said: “All our officers know they will be held to account for any use of force while on duty.

“On this occasion, PC Dharni went beyond what was acceptable or reasonable in the situation, especially as there were a number of other officers there helping to detain the suspect.”