A Dorset police officer has been dismissed following an internal misconduct hearing that found his use of force during the arrest of a teenager to be “unreasonable and aggressive.” The incident, which took place in Bournemouth, has sparked a broader debate over police accountability and the appropriate use of force in high-pressure situations.
PC Lorne Castle, an officer with 11 years of service, was called to an incident involving a 17-year-old male reportedly carrying a knife near a shopping area in central Bournemouth. Bodycam footage later reviewed by the misconduct panel showed PC Castle restraining the teen using what the panel described as “excessive physical force,” including forceful handling of the suspect’s head and neck despite the teenager appearing to comply with commands.
According to Dorset Police, the use-of-force review concluded that Castle’s actions breached professional standards for behaviour and use of authority. Chief Constable Amanda Pearson stated, “While we deeply value the commitment and courage of our frontline officers, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards. When force is used, it must always be necessary and proportionate. In this case, that threshold was not met.”
Supporters of PC Castle argue that the dismissal sends a dangerous message to officers who face volatile and life-threatening situations daily. The Police Federation, which represented Castle during the hearing, expressed “serious concern” over the decision. In a statement, Federation spokesperson Steve Blake said, “PC Castle made a split-second decision in what he reasonably believed to be a dangerous scenario. We believe the outcome sets an unrealistic precedent for officers managing real-world threats.”
The case has ignited heated conversation among the public. On social media, some users praised Dorset Police for enforcing accountability and setting an example. Others criticised the dismissal as heavy-handed, claiming it undermines law enforcement’s ability to act decisively during knife-related incidents — a growing concern in urban areas across the UK.
The teenager involved in the incident was not seriously injured and was later released without charge after the weapon in question was determined to be a non-lethal replica. His family has since praised the police for launching an investigation and taking the matter seriously.
This latest controversy adds to a growing list of public discussions on the balance between public safety and police conduct. With the increasing use of body-worn cameras, more incidents are coming to light, raising questions about how much discretion officers should have in rapidly evolving situations.
Dorset Police have reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing training for officers in de-escalation techniques and legal standards regarding the use of force. Meanwhile, the dismissal of PC Castle will likely continue to spark conversation, both locally and nationally, about the fine line between firm policing and excessive force.
As public scrutiny of police practices intensifies, this case underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and the need for clear, consistent guidelines that protect both officers and the public.