Misconduct hearing finds allegations against officer involved in Haringey incident in 2020 not proven

A gross misconduct panel has found allegations against an officer involved in an incident in Haringey in 2020 not proven.

PC Imran Mahmood, attached to the Met Taskforce, faced allegations relating to use of force and orders and instructions.  

On 4 May 2020 Jordan Walker-Brown, who is in his 20s, suffered life-changing injuries when he fell from a height in Burgoyne Road, N4 after a taser was deployed by PC Mahmood. The officer had been attempting to detain Mr Walker-Brown for the purposes of a search.

Commander Hayley Sewart, responsible for local policing in north London, said: "It is a matter of huge regret that Mr Walker-Brown suffered such serious and significant injuries as a result of this incident. His life has been changed forever and we do not underestimate the impact on both him and his family.”

“Officers are often required to make split-second decisions in the course of their duties. The panel accepted that PC Mahmood held the belief Mr Walker-Brown posed an immediate threat to his safety and that of his colleagues - and acted on that belief. Having considered the evidence in detail, the panel concluded that PC Mahmood was justified in his actions given the situation he faced.

“We know our use of Taser is seen by some as a controversial tactic, and incidents like this one raise very legitimate concerns. We have been carrying out significant work with our communities to ensure they are more involved in monitoring how we use it, which includes the introduction of a new scrutiny panel. Taser remains a vital tool, but we will continue to carry out reviews and regularly train our officers so they are using the tactic appropriately.” 

Following the incident, the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who took the decision to independently investigate the matter. They later referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who charged PC Mahmood in April 2022 with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. He was later acquitted at court. Once criminal proceedings concluded the IOPC directed that PC Mahmood should face a gross misconduct hearing.   

After an eight-day hearing, the panel determined the force used by PC Mahmood was proportionate. They accepted the officer thought he was facing an imminent threat from Mr Walker-Brown, who he believed was in possession of an offensive weapon. They also accepted that the officer’s belief was legitimately held. The panel is made up of a senior officer and two independent panel members, and supported by a legally qualified advisor.

A second allegation relating to PC Mahmood’s use of Taser when Mr Walker-Brown was at a height was also found not proven. 

PC Mahmood has been a qualified taser officer since July 2017, and records show he was up to date with his taser training.