UPDATED: POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED OF USING EXCESSIVE FORCE ON YOUTH TO FACE MISCONDUCT HEARING

An Isle of Wight Police officer who allegedly used excessive force on a youth is to face a misconduct hearing next week. PC Stuart Pearson’s behaviour is said to have fallen below the professional standard expected in terms of use of force, conduct, and authority, respect and courtesy. It was on 21st June 2022 – almost 18 months ago – that the officer attended the home address of a youth to complete a Community Resolution Order. During the course of the meeting, there was an altercation between the officer and the unnamed youth. It is alleged that PC Pearson’s actions amounted to an excessive use of force. Furthermore, the officer’s subsequent description of the events, reported to the Police Control Room, differs from those recorded on his Body Worn Video. A 4-day public hearing is due to get underway at the Academy Conference Centre at the Holiday Inn, Eastleigh on Monday (19th February). PC Stuart Pearson has been a serving officer on the Island for more than 15 years. In 2017, he was recognised with a victim satisfaction bronze award after receiving 6 or more positive pieces of feedback from victims of crime. In the past 2 years alone there have been a total of 18 misconduct hearings carried out by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. UPDATE THURSDAY – PC Pearson was cleared of gross misconduct on Wednesday 21st February 2024. He received a written warning instead. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/police-officer-cleared-of-gross-misconduct-over-alleged-use-of-force-against-child/.