KEVIN MARKOWSKI SHOCKS NOTTINGHAMSHIRE WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE INCIDENT IN ARNOLD

In a recent development that has sent ripples through Nottinghamshire, police officer Pc Kevin Markowski has been formally dismissed following a misconduct hearing conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The case centers around an incident that took place in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, on August 24, 2022, involving allegations of excessive and unjustified use of force against a 16-year-old girl.

According to reports, the young girl was detained by police after a verbal altercation that escalated into a breach of the peace. The police response led to her being placed in the back of a police vehicle. It was during this detention that the incident took a troubling turn. Witnesses and body-worn camera footage indicated that Pc Kevin Markowski engaged in actions that were deemed excessive and unnecessary. Specifically, it was alleged that he struck her head against the vehicle and placed his hands on her throat, actions that raised serious concerns about the use of force and the treatment of a minor.

The Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that prior to the incident, the girl was told to cease shouting and swearing. Following this, Markowski reportedly led her towards the police vehicle. During the restraint, it was alleged that he placed his hands on her throat twice. The girl later claimed that these actions caused her to feel strangled, asserting that she could not breathe. However, Markowski maintained that he only removed his hands after she claimed he was choking her and that she was unable to breathe. The body-worn camera footage appeared to support the girl’s account, showing the officer with his hands on her neck or upper chest area.

The misconduct hearing concluded that Markowski’s conduct was 'unnecessary and disproportionate.' The panel found that his actions did not align with the standards expected of police officers, particularly regarding the appropriate use of force, respect, and courtesy. As a result, he was dismissed from his position without notice for breaching multiple standards, including duties and responsibilities, authority, respect, use of force, and discreditable conduct. During the hearing, it was also revealed that Markowski displayed disrespect when he refused to provide his collar number, further undermining his professionalism.

The IOPC emphasized that any use of force by police must be necessary, reasonable, and proportionate to the situation. Despite Markowski’s claims that his hands were on her chest and not her throat, and that he did not believe he was restricting her breathing, the panel found his actions unjustified. The misconduct was deemed to have escalated the situation unnecessarily, with the force used being excessive and unwarranted.

In addition to the misconduct proceedings, Markowski faced a trial at Lincoln Crown Court in June 2022, where he was acquitted of strangulation after a jury deliberated for nearly six hours. Nevertheless, the police force took the decision to dismiss him, citing breaches of conduct and professional standards. Markowski was subsequently placed on the police barred list, effectively ending his career in law enforcement.

Nottinghamshire Police publicly acknowledged the distress caused to the girl and her family, offering an apology for the trauma inflicted. They emphasized that the officer’s conduct was unacceptable and that such breaches of professional standards undermine public trust in law enforcement. The case has sparked ongoing discussions about the appropriate use of force and the importance of accountability within police ranks in Nottinghamshire.