By James Simons-
A former senior officer, Chief Superintendent David Powell, has been barred from policing following a disciplinary hearing conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The investigation revealed that Powell attempted to influence and intimidate officers responding to a domestic incident, leading to accusations of inappropriate behaviour and an abuse of power.
The incident, which occurred on September 11, 2022, in Kings Worthy, Winchester, involved officers from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary responding to a report of a domestic assault.
Chief Supt Powell, who was off-duty at the time failed to initially identify himself as a senior officer to attending officers.
Instead, he attempted to intervene in the investigation, challenging officers’ decisions and questioning the validity of the allegations made by the victim.
According to the IOPC investigation, Powell insisted on having private conversations with officers, disputed their understanding of the force’s domestic violence policy, and even attempted to speak to the victim alone.
While officers were speaking with both the victim and suspect of the reported assault, Ch/Supt Powell attempted to have private conversations with officers on scene.
He repeatedly insisted that “no crime had been committed” and questioned whether any formal allegations had been made by the victim.
He later admitted he did not witness the assault.
At one point he said to officers “I know your job because I’m a cop” and challenged the officers’ understanding of the force’s domestic violence policy.
When the police sergeant in charge informed him that the suspect was being arrested on suspicion of committing an offence, Ch/Supt Powell said “that’s a crap decision. That decision doesn’t need to be made tonight.”
He also insisted on speaking to the victim alone, leaving officers concerned that he may have been trying to persuade them from making a formal complaint.
During the investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reviewed police body-worn video footage, relevant policies and procedures, gathered statements from the police officers present and interviewed Ch/Supt Powell.
Various officers present described Ch/Supt Powell’s behaviour as “inappropriate”, “bullyish” and “aggressive”.
At one point the sergeant in charge is heard on body-worn footage saying to a colleague that Ch/Supt Powell was “trying to control the whole situation and it’s not appropriate”.
Following the incident, Ch/Supt Powell contacted the force’s senior investigating officer (SIO) who at the time was coordinating and supporting Hampshire’s investigation command.
He requested they provide him with the contact details of the senior officer overseeing the assault investigation.
After completing an investigation in October 2023, the IOPC decided that he should face a disciplinary hearing for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct.
The panel found the former officer’s conduct breached the police standards of professional behaviour and his actions amounted to gross misconduct.
He has now been placed on the police barred list following the two-day hearing.
IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “As a senior officer who was not on duty, Chief Superintendent Powell’s behaviour at the scene was highly inappropriate and an abuse of power.
“He tried to intimidate the officers and use his position to attempt to dissuade the officers from arresting the suspect of a domestic assault.
“The seriousness of his actions was exacerbated by his senior rank and level of responsibility, as he was the force’s strategic lead for domestic violence matters at the time.
“His behaviour was not compatible with his role as a senior police officer and he has been barred from policing.
“I also want to commend the officers at the scene for their professionalism and integrity. They refused to let Chief Superintendent Powell’s seniority influence their decision-making.”
His behavior, described as “inappropriate,” “bullyish,” and “aggressive” by multiple officers present, raised concerns that he was attempting to dissuade the victim from making a formal complaint.
Furthermore, Powell’s actions extended beyond the scene of the incident, as he later contacted the force’s senior investigating officer to inquire about the ongoing assault investigation, demonstrating a continued attempt to influence the outcome of the case.
Following a comprehensive investigation that included reviewing body-worn video footage, relevant policies, and procedures, as well as gathering statements from involved officers and interviewing Chief Supt Powell, the IOPC concluded that Powell’s conduct breached the police standards of professional behaviour and amounted to gross misconduct.
Mel Palmer, the IOPC regional director, condemned Powell’s behaviour, emphasizing the abuse of power inherent in his actions.
In response to the investigation’s findings, Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary commended the professionalism and integrity displayed by the officers involved.
Despite facing challenging circumstances, these officers upheld their duty with moral courage, refusing to be swayed by Powell’s seniority and ensuring accountability for his actions.