Police officer handed final written warning after asking colleagues to turn off body-worn cameras following alleged assault

A police constable has received a four-year final written warning after he asked his colleagues to turn off body-worn cameras following an alleged assault on a woman he knows.

PC Nicholas Woodcock attended a two-day misconduct hearing at Force HQ in Sherwood Lodge on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 January.

The hearing, which was open to the press and public, heard that on the evening of 16 March 2024, whilst off duty, PC Woodcock allegedly used force on a woman he knew.

It was reported that he restricted her movements by holding her on at least three occasions during an argument in Nottingham city centre that was witnessed by members of the public.

The police were duly contacted, with uniformed officers immediately attending the scene and arresting PC Woodcock on suspicion of common assault.

He denied the offence, as was alleged. The woman was not supportive of a prosecution and so no further action was taken after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The hearing heard that PC Woodcock repeatedly asked his colleagues to turn their body-worn cameras off while they arrested him.

When the officers refused, saying they couldn’t treat him differently to anyone else, PC Woodcock continued to put pressure on his colleagues with his actions.

The matter was ultimately referred to Nottinghamshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, who after a thorough investigation found he’d breached several standards of professional behaviour.

These were: Integrity, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

A misconduct hearing duly took place this week, which weighed up whether PC Woodcock’s actions amounted to gross misconduct.

The officer apologised for his behaviour – both to the woman and his colleagues – at the hearing, adding he was embarrassed by how he had conducted himself and that he had let himself down. 

The panel, which consisted of two members of the public and chair Assistant Chief Constable Suk Verma, found the evidence provided by two members of the public who witnessed the incident was credible and that PC Woodcock’s actions on that day in 2024 amounted to gross misconduct. PC Woodcock was handed a four-year final written warning.

ACC Suk Verma said:

“By his own admission, this officer’s behaviour towards a woman he knows was unacceptable and he also showed a lack of respect and courtesy towards the attending officers.

“As a police officer, he has breached the standards of professional behaviour by attempting to influence them and asking them to turn off their body worn cameras.

“The panel has taken into account all factors presented such as the officer’s previous good service, acknowledgment of wrongdoing and genuine remorse to all those involved. 

“The actions of this officer fell below the very high standards we expect and I would like to thank the members of the public for the valuable evidence they provided in this case.

“Today’s outcome is a reminder for all of our officers that we expect them to conduct themselves to the highest standards of service at all times.”