DC Kevin Rowley was acquitted today (credit: Bradley Hughes)
Detective Constable Kevin Rowley was seen to strike a 17-year-old boy with a baton in Heath Park Road, near the Drill Roundabout, on Monday, 22 April 2019.
He was arresting the suspect on suspicion of possession of class B drugs.
Footage of the incident was shared on social media, with some people complaining about the officer’s use of force for striking the boy with his baton.
DC Rowley was charged with common assault on Friday, 18 October.
He went on trial at Hendon Magistrates’ Court and was acquitted today.
Commander Catherine Roper, from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, said: “Footage of this incident was circulated on social media and caused concern due to the force used against the male arrested.
“We made a referral to the IOPC to allow an independent investigation to take place into all the circumstances as it is only right to maintain confidence on how we police London.
“Use of force is a tactic police must use responsibly. A court has decided today that DC Rowley’s actions were lawful. We have received the IOPC’s report into this incident and are liaising with them about any misconduct proceedings.”
DC Rowley remains on restricted duties.
Tags: Romford, Havering, Gidea Park
