Police Federation warn 'not to jump to early conclusions' after video seems to show officer push teen to floor
“Police officers have an incredibly difficult, dangerous and dynamic job”
An organisation that represents police officers have said that people “should not jump to early conclusions” about incidents after an operation which seemingly saw officers punch teenage girls was deemed “justified.”
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) have said that their response to the incident in Rotherham - which drew widespread criticism after footage was shared on social media was “proportionate, necessary, and justified to keep all involved safe” after a review from their professional standards department.
The force did admit that there was “an opportunity for learning around de-escalation” but that this did not cross the threshold for a report to the national watchdogs at the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct).
The Police Federation - who represent rank and file officers - have said that officers have a “dangerous job” as they criticised people online for quickly judging the response.
South Yorkshire Police Federation released a statement saying: “A review of video footage showing a confrontation between police officers and teenage girls in Rotherham has concluded the use of force was ‘proportionate, necessary and justified to keep all involved safe’.
“South Yorkshire Police Federation notes this update from the force and this is why all people - including influential local politicians - should not jump to early conclusions about complex policing incidents.
“Police officers have an incredibly difficult, dangerous and dynamic job on the streets of South Yorkshire and they deserve our full support in that work.
“We are incredibly accountable for our actions and when allegations are made - or edited video clips are circulated - then we reiterate that our colleagues must have fair and due process.”
It is understood that officers responded to a school leavers’ do in the Rawmarsh area of Rotherham on Saturday (June 20) when violent scenes erupted.
Video footage circulating on social media appears to show officers push teenage girls onto the floor, before pulling out their batons and tasers.
In the immediate aftermath, SYP released a statement saying the footage is “nothing short of shocking” - though this response was also criticised by the Police Federation at the time.
The organisation said that they had “raised concerns about this statement with the force,” adding: “It goes without saying that short video clips of incidents rarely show a full story.
“Police officers are accountable for their actions but must be allowed fair and due process as part of any investigation.”
Deputy Mayor of South Yorkshire, Kilvinder Vigurs, who is responsible for policing and crime, said she was “horrified by the footage” on Monday (June 22), as she promised a full investigation.
Following the internal review, SYP said: “The public’s trust and confidence in policing is dependent on openness and accountability.
“As such, while this incident did not meet the national criteria for independent assessment, we took the unprecedented step of requesting peer review from another police force.
“The review upheld the determination.”