Essex police detention officer sacked for suspect mistreatment
A police detention officer has been sacked for using excessive force on a suspect arrested in Essex.
Catherine Renew, in her 40s, had worked for Essex Police for several years and was dismissed for gross misconduct.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said she had failed to treat a detainee with respect.
The IPCC commended Essex Police for sacking her this week. Renew was cleared of actual bodily harm charges at Chelmsford Crown Court last year.
The 36-year-old woman suspect was taken into Grays Police Station at about 23:20 BST on 11 June 2010.
She was taken into a room by Renew to change into different clothing, the IPCC report said.
When in a cell alone with the detainee, Renew took the woman to the floor with excessive force.
As the woman lay apparently unresponsive, Renew used derogatory language towards her, the statement added.
Other officers later placed the woman in the recovery position and an ambulance was called to take her hospital where she later recovered.
IPCC commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne, said: "The police have a duty of care to people in custody and they should be treated with decency and respect, which clearly did not happen in this case.
"Catherine Renew not only used excessive force on a distressed and vulnerable woman who posed no threat to her, but treated her with a disturbing disregard throughout by using derogatory language and showing little or no concern for her welfare.
"I commend Essex Police for the serious action they have taken on the back of our investigation in showing that conduct of this nature by custody staff will not be tolerated."