Police launch further review into conduct of officers during Stevenage incident
It comes after a video on social media appeared to show an officer kicking a man.
Police have launched a further review into the conduct of their officers during an incident in Stevenage.
It comes after a video emerged online which appeared to show an officer kicking a man on the ground.
The incident happened last Tuesday (19 October).
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said they are aware that people "may be concerned" about the incident, but that the video "only shows part of what actually happened".
They continued: "Shortly before 3pm on that day, police became aware of a man acting anti-socially in the town centre.
"The man appeared intoxicated and allegedly became highly aggressive when approached by the police officer and two PCSOs in attendance.
"Numerous attempts were made to communicate with the man and pacify him without resorting to force however it is believed he continued to be aggressive towards officers.
"As a result PAVA and then Taser were eventually deployed in order to detain him.
"Officers who carry Taser have to undertake extensive training, in addition to general personal safety training, and must always be able to justify that any use is necessary and proportionate to the specific circumstances.
"The matter was immediately referred to and reviewed by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department, however given the nature of the incident, the force is conducting a further review.
"This will look at whether the actions of the officers were appropriate in the circumstances and if any learning can be taken from it.
"The man’s injuries as a result of his restraint were minor, however officers requested an ambulance and he was also taken to hospital as a precaution.
"He was discharged a short time later into police custody.
"A 60 year old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage.
"He has been released under investigation and is the subject of an ongoing investigation."