IOPC: BTP Officer Receives Final Written Warning for Excessive Force on Children
Summary
The UK's Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued a final written warning to a British Transport Police officer for using excessive force against two children during an arrest. The officer struck both children with his baton shortly after encountering them at London Bridge station.
What changed
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into a British Transport Police (BTP) officer, Police Constable (PC) Gavin Parsons, by issuing him a final written warning. The disciplinary panel found that PC Parsons used force against two 15-year-old boys that was not necessary, proportionate, or reasonable, and that he failed to treat them with respect and courtesy, arresting them without sufficient grounds. The panel also found that the officer breached standards of professional behaviour related to authority, respect and courtesy; use of force; orders and instructions; duties and responsibilities; and discreditable conduct. Allegations of racial discrimination were not proven.
This enforcement action signifies that the officer's conduct fell below expected standards, resulting in a warning that will remain on his record for five years. While the Crown Prosecution Service declined to bring criminal charges, the IOPC's finding holds the officer accountable for excessive force and lack of de-escalation. Compliance officers in law enforcement agencies should review their use-of-force policies and training, particularly concerning interactions with minors, to ensure proportionality and adherence to professional conduct standards.
What to do next
- Review internal policies on use of force, especially concerning minors.
- Reinforce training on de-escalation techniques and professional conduct standards for officers.
- Ensure all arrests are based on sufficient grounds and conducted with respect and courtesy.
Penalties
Final written warning for five years.
Source document (simplified)
BTP officer handed final written warning over use of force in arrest of children
Published: 26 Mar 2026 News
| A British Transport Police (BTP) officer has been handed a final written warning following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Police Constable (PC) Gavin Parsons faced a gross misconduct hearing over allegations that his actions breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
On 14 December 2024, PC Parsons was at London Bridge underground station when a member of the public alerted him to an incident involving two children.
He located two Black 15-year-old boys and, with limited information, immediately racked his baton and ordered the boys on the ground without giving them an opportunity to co-operate before using force.
Without explaining to the children why they were required to obey PC Parsons’s instructions, he struck one of the children with his baton less than 30 seconds after encountering him and struck the other with his baton less than one minute after encountering him.
Both were arrested and put in handcuffs.
Two members of the public who witnessed the interaction made complaints to BTP regarding the force used and alleged that the children were treated differently because of their race, while a further police complaint was made by the mother of one of the children.
The disciplinary hearing concluded yesterday (Wednesday 25 March) and the panel found that the officer used force against the two children that was not necessary, proportionate or reasonable in the circumstances, that he failed to treat the children with respect and courtesy, and that he arrested them without sufficient grounds to do so.
He was found to have breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; use of force; orders and instructions; duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.
The panel found the allegations that the children were treated differently because of their race not proven.
PC Parsons was given a final written warning that will last for five years.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Anyone who comes into contact with officers should expect to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.
“In the busy public environment, PC Parsons made no effort to communicate or deescalate the situation and instead chose to rack his baton, an act which escalated the situation further, before striking both children with the baton.
“His actions were concerning enough for two members of the public, who witnessed the interaction, to make complaints to the force.
“A panel has found his force was excessive and his conduct fell well below the standards expected of him. It is right that he has now been held accountable.”
Our investigation began following complaint referrals from BTP in January 2025.
As part of our investigation we reviewed body worn video, mobile phone footage and CCTV. We also obtained witness accounts from members of the public and took statements from PC Parsons and the other officers present during the incident.
We concluded our investigation in July 2025 and decided that the officer should face gross misconduct proceedings. The officer was also investigated for the potential offence of common assault.
At the conclusion of our investigation, we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which decided not to charge the officer. |
Tags
- British Transport Police
- Use of force and armed policing
- Race discrimination
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