By James Simons-
A plain-clothed Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer, PC Martin Binala, has been dismissed without notice for using excessive force during a search in West London.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an investigation that revealed a series of misconducts, raising concerns about police conduct and its impact on public trust.
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The hearing, which concluded on Thursday, 4 January, was presented with evidence that on 12 September 2021, both officers were on plain-clothed patrol in Albion Road, Hounslow when they saw a parked car with a male occupant inside.
The incident, which occurred on September 12, 2021, involved PC Binala and two other non-uniformed officers stopping and searching a man near his home in Southall, Hounslow.
The officers claimed suspicion due to the man sitting in his parked car near a crime hotspot. However, the IOPC investigation found that the man was parked in a street near his house, contrary to the officers’ assumption.
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PC Binala asserted he could smell cannabis, but no evidence was found. The situation escalated as the man, a Polish national with limited English proficiency, was forcibly removed from his car, handcuffed, and sprayed with incapacitant spray.
The man, fearing for his life, resisted the officers, resulting in injuries. The officers detained him for 45 minutes, arrested him for obstructing police, and later de-arrested him.
Disciplinary Outcomes
The disciplinary panel, headed by an independent legally-qualified chair, found PC Binala guilty of gross misconduct.
The panel concluded that PC Binala breached several police standards, including the use of excessive force, dishonesty, lack of authority, respect, and courtesy, and neglect of duties and responsibilities. Consequently, he was dismissed without notice and barred from future policing roles.
Another officer involved, PC Stuart Dunne, faced a written warning for proven misconduct, including the inappropriate use of PAVA spray, verbal abuse, and neglect of duties and responsibilities.
The incident, as uncovered by the IOPC investigation, sheds light on the challenges faced by the police in maintaining public trust. The officers’ failure to follow protocols, inappropriate dressing, and the unwarranted use of force contribute to a negative perception of law enforcement.
The IOPC emphasized that stopping individuals based on the sole smell of cannabis is not good practice and may lead to unwarranted confrontations.
The IOPC’s investigation not only addressed the specific incident but also identified learning points for the police force. Recommendations include reminders about officers’ attire during public-facing assignments, the importance of early identification of police status, and the necessity for overt or covert wearing of police vests depending on roles.
The IOPC is working with the MPS to implement these recommendations.
This case adds to the ongoing debate surrounding police conduct and the need for accountability. Instances of misconduct, such as excessive force and lack of adherence to protocols, contribute to a broader stain on the reputation of law enforcement agencies.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson of the West Area Basic Command Unit reiterated the commitment to maintaining high standards, emphasizing that officers falling short of expectations have no place in the MPS.
In a separate incident, former officer PC Andrew McCarthy faced a gross misconduct hearing for acting inappropriately towards a female colleague.
The panel ruled that McCarthy’s actions, including kissing and following the colleague, constituted gross misconduct. McCarthy resigned during the ongoing investigation, and the MPS emphasized that such behavior has no place within the police force.
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