The policeman who ran away from the cow and escaped from the police car is returning to work despite thousands of complaints
The police officer who ran over a cow and jumped in a military vehicle will return to work despite thousands of complaints.
Surrey Police confirmed on Friday that an investigation found the tactic was “lawful and necessary”, clearing the officer of wrongdoing.
The force came under fire when pictures posted online showed a 10-month-old calf being hit by a police car at midnight on June 15 following reports of the animal running amok in Staines-upon-Thames.
A 10-month-old calf, Beau Lucy, who was quiet on a residential street before a police car was seen hitting the tarmac (PA Media)
The video, which went viral on social media, appears to show a member of the public running away. The animal, named Beau Lucy, appears to have let loose on a residential street before a police vehicle labeled as a 4×4 ran over it near the tarmac and rammed into it, knocking it to the ground – much to the shock of onlookers.
Surrey Police said there were earlier reports of a cow running at people and damaging cars across the city that night.
They said Beau Lucy suffered a serious leg injury in the incident – although in an update released on Friday, she reported that she has recovered and is still living on the farm with her herd.
Later in June, Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said officers had received more than 20,000 messages on social media and 2,000 complaints from the public, “highlighting the potential of hearing about this case”.
The animal, named Beau Lucy, can be seen free on a residential street in the photos (Kai Bennetts/PA Wire)
On Friday, the force said the incident had been thoroughly investigated as a case of criminality and internal misconduct – led by the Standards Department and overseen by a senior investigator (SIO) – and had now concluded.
Police said the investigation reviewed more than 250 video clips, 75 witness statements and received expert opinions from animal welfare experts to determine whether the actions of those involved amounted to a crime of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
“The SIO has now completed its investigation and determined that although the images of the incident are tragic in nature, those involved in the incident were acting according to their duties, and the tactics used were legal and necessary to prevent damage to the public and property,” the force said.
“Therefore, no action will be taken in the criminal investigation, or in the matter of internal misconduct.”
Home Secretary at the time James Cleverly was one of those who questioned the actions of the police at the time (PA Wire)
DCC Kemp said the force appreciates the emotional response to the incident, adding: “After investigating for five months, the SIO found that although there is a need to study the organization in relation to the way we handle loose livestock, no charges have been made. therefore no further action should be taken against those concerned.
“This decision was supported by the head of the quality of work of Surrey police who then reviewed whether there was any possible misconduct.
“They have decided that there is a need for individual learning, but no further action is being taken regarding misconduct. The driver will return to work at the appropriate time.”
Mr. Kemp said that this incident revealed many things about the way the police responded to the incident of loose livestock and said that they want to do everything possible to reduce the occurrence of an event like this again.
“We have reviewed the recommendations made by the SIO and experts in this area, and we will be working to address this urgently, sharing any best practice and capabilities across the UK,” he said.
Home secretary at the time James Cleverly was among those who questioned the actions of the police at the time, writing to X: “There is no reasonable need for this action. I asked for a full, urgent explanation of this. It seems to be unnecessarily heavy-handed.”
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