Officer failed to meet conduct standards - police

Guernsey Police said the incident had already been investigated and the complaint upheld

Guernsey Police said an officer "did not meet" its "high standards" following the circulation of a video on social media showing the excessive use of force.

The footage, posted to X, shows an officer stopping a man in his 60s for not wearing a seatbelt while driving, in 2023.

When the man refused to step out of the vehicle, the officer proceeded to remove him and tackle him to the ground.

The force said it took the conduct of its officers "very seriously" and wanted to assure the public that "appropriate action will always be taken."

In a statement to the BBC, Guernsey Police said: "The bodycam footage shows an officer pulling a member of the public from a vehicle and arresting them."

'Totally inappropriate'

"When investigated by our Professional Standards Department through our internal disciplinary process, it was clear the officer's handling of this incident did not meet the high standards Guernsey Police expect.

"The officer's handling was totally inappropriate and has resulted in an action plan being put in place and the officer being closely monitored by supervisors.

"It is worth noting it is because that officer filmed the incident on his bodycam that the officer's actions could be appropriately addressed."

In May, Guernsey Police addressed a separate video which also began to circulate social media. It said the footage had been edited.

In response to the latest video, police said "appropriate action" had been taken.

"Guernsey Police will always take the conduct of our officers very seriously, and would again like to assure the public that where wrongdoing is identified, appropriate action will always be taken.

"It is worth noting that unlike previous videos shared on social media, this incident had already been investigated and the complaint upheld."