A SUFFOLK police officer is under investigation for allegedly assaulting a member of the public, The Evening Star can reveal today.The assault claim is thought to have followed the Ipswich versus Norwich derby match on November 19 and a probe has been launched by the force's professional standards department.
A SUFFOLK police officer is under investigation for allegedly assaulting a member of the public, The Evening Star can reveal today.
The assault claim is thought to have followed the Ipswich versus Norwich derby match on November 19 and a probe has been launched by the force's professional standards department.
Suffolk police have refused to confirm or deny the identity of the officer but he is believed to be based at Ipswich police station .
He has been placed on restricted duties while investigations take place.
Anna Woolnough, spokeswoman for the force, said: “As a matter of policy Suffolk police will not name any member of staff who is the subject of an unsubstantiated allegation.
“However we can confirm that a complaint has been received from a member of the public regarding a minor assault allegedly committed by a member of police staff following a football match.
“The staff member in question has been placed on restricted duties pending a full investigation by the constabulary's professional standards department.”
Investigations by the force's professional standards department can take several weeks.
If complaints are founded officers can be fined, given advice or, in the most serious cases, asked to resign.
Misconduct hearings may also take place in front of senior officers where an officer or member of staff can be found guilty or not guilty.
More than 200 officers were on duty for November's derby at Portman Road and the day passed with little trouble.
Three people were arrested by Suffolk police for public order offences but there were no major disturbances.
It is not known if the alleged assault happened during or after the game.
Have you made a complaint against police? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Weblinks: www.suffolk.police.uk; www.eveningstar.co.uk/news
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