Michael Rawlinson successfully represents Custody Sergeant in Police Misconduct case

March 2, 2017

Michael Rawlinson from Exchange Chambers has successfully represented a Lancashire Custody Sergeant, who faced dismissal weeks prior to retirement, after he admitted misconduct in failing to record significant information on a custody record and risk assessment.

Following an IPCC investigation, the Appropriate Authority alleged that these failings, along with a total of nine separate allegations, cumulatively amounted to gross misconduct and that dismissal would be justified.

Michael successfully argued that four of the allegations should be dismissed halfway through the case. He then went on to successfully persuade the Panel that the remaining and most serious allegations – involving breaches of duties and responsibilities and alleged discriminatory, abusive and racist comments against a detainee – were either found ‘not proved’ by the Panel, or amounted to Misconduct only rather then Gross Misconduct.

The Officer ultimately received a Written Warning, and was then free to retire from the Force after almost 30 years service.

Michael was instructed by Richard Black of Slater & Gordon Solicitors.

Michael is regularly instructed on behalf of Police Officers and other professionals in both criminal and discipline/ misconduct proceedings. He has a growing reputation in this area and is a member of Chambers’ police law and professional discipline team.