Cop Threatens Taser on Teen During Stop and Search in Greenwich
A Lewisham Metropolitan Police officer has been slapped with a final written warning after he threatened to use a Taser on a 16-year-old boy during a stop and search in Greenwich.
Incident Sparks Outrage
PC Connor Jones was involved in the stop and search on September 4, 2020, after reports of a young Black male armed with a samurai sword chasing two boys near Armitage Road. Armed police swooped on the scene and stopped a group of five teenagers thought to match the description.
During the search, the 16-year-old was handcuffed and forced to kneel on the road. PC Jones pressed his Taser to the boy’s neck, warning he’d use it if the teen moved. No weapons were found, and the group was eventually let go.
Misconduct Panel Finds Officer at Fault
A complaint followed, triggering an investigation by the Met’s Professional Standards Unit which initially cleared PC Jones in December 2020. But after an appeal to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), an independent inquiry was launched.
The recent gross misconduct hearing, wrapping up on September 20, 2024, found PC Jones breached professional standards on use of force. He failed to file a use of force report and wasn’t wearing body cam during the stop, blaming technical issues.
Though the panel found no evidence of racial motivation, they ruled the Taser threat was “disproportionate and unnecessary.” PC Jones was handed a final written warning to stay on his record for three years.
Police Chief Expresses Regret, Vows Accountability
“We acknowledge that this was a distressing incident for the boy involved and recognise the ongoing impact it has had on both him and his family,” said Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry. “We have previously apologised for the trauma caused, and we repeat this again today.”
Lawry stressed the need for strict oversight: “It is right that any use of force and stop and search are scrutinised. Incorrect stop and search damages public trust.”
He added that the police are committed to monitoring stop and search to ensure it is fair and transparent.
Spotlight on Stop and Search Conduct
This case shines a light on ongoing concerns about police behaviour during stop and searches. Campaigners call for greater transparency and accountability in policing to rebuild community trust.
