Hampshire: Ex-senior police officer barred after 'bullyish' behaviour
- Published
Ch Supt David Powell was a force leader on domestic violence at the time of the incident
A former senior police officer who reportedly tried to stop an arrest has been barred from policing.
Ch Supt David Powell, now retired, was found off duty at the scene of a reported domestic assault in Kings Worthy near Winchester in 2022.
He tried to bully officers and talk to the alleged victim, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) heard.
It said the former officer, a police leader on domestic violence, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct.
He retired from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in March.
Police officers described Mr Powell as "bullyish" and "aggressive", insisting that "no crime had been committed" at the address on 11 September, the IOPC said.
When informed about the intended arrest, Mr Powell said: "That's a crap decision," it added.
Deputy Chief Constable Sam De Reya said officers could not prioritise the needs of their friends
He also tried to speak to the alleged victim alone and requested details of the officer in charge of the assault investigation, the IOPC reported.
IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: "As a senior officer who was not on duty, Ch Supt 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."
Hampshire and Isle of Wight's Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: "As police officers... we cannot prioritise the needs of our friends over the oath we have taken.
"I want to commend the moral courage of those officers who remained calm and professional throughout the incident in extremely challenging circumstances, and had the confidence to call out the appalling behaviour of a very senior officer."
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