Former PC Morgan Pearson

Outcome of misconduct hearing

Allegations

1. On 23 April 2022 while assisting with a search and then transportation of a female section 136 detainee to hospital Pearson was heard, on Body Worn Video, to speak to her in a derogatory and threatening manner. His attitude towards the detainee throughout their time together shows a lack of respect and tolerance for her. (Authority, Respect & Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct.)
2. On 23 April 2022 while Pearson was in the back of the vehicle with the detainee transporting her to Hastings he can be seen to use her neck to force her head down. This appears excessive and is not a safe technique. (Use of Force.)
3. On 23 April 2022 when Pearson no longer had the female in his vehicle and was travelling back to the station with colleagues a conversation occurred between them. It is during this conversation where he showed a lack of empathy, was rude and abusive about the detainee, made lewd comments and spoke in a discriminatory way about her mental health and her looks. (Discreditable Conduct, Authority, Respect & Courtesy and Equality & Diversity.)

Decision

I have carefully considered the representation and responses that have been provided to me on behalf of former PC Morgan Pearson.

However, there can be no place in Sussex Police for those who choose to act in such a discreditable way.

This is a clear breach of professional standards and falls far below the high standards I and the public rightly expect from those who are relied upon to protect our communities.

Never has it been more important for the behaviours and actions of every person who serves within policing to be beyond exemplary.

Therefore it is my decision that he would have been dismissed from the force, without notice, had he not resigned.

The outcome decision in this case is therefore dismissal without notice.  

Chief Constable Jo Shiner