Kent officer receives two-year warning for excessive force
PC Aaron Humphries found guilty of gross misconduct after man lost consciousness during arrest in Faversham.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA Kent Police constable has been given a final written warning for using excessive force. PC Aaron Humphries was found guilty of gross misconduct at a hearing on 28 August 2025. The incident occurred on 7 September 2024 in Faversham, Kent.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated the actions of PC Humphries and another officer after the man they arrested appeared to lose consciousness. The IOPC received a further referral after the arrested man complained about the disproportionate force used during his arrest.
Incident details
According to the IOPC investigation, the man was handcuffed and sitting in the back of a police car. He moved to the opposite side of the vehicle. PC Humphries opened the rear door, engaged in a verbal exchange, and then dragged the man out, taking him to the ground. After the suspect bit PC Humphries, the officer punched the man twice in the face and placed his forearm on the suspect’s neck. This action appeared to cause the man to briefly lose consciousness.
Both officers then rolled the man onto his side. He appeared to regain consciousness while still handcuffed. After spitting at officers, the man was again removed from the police car and restrained on the ground. Further officers arrived, and the man was taken into custody.
Misconduct ruling
In April 2025, the IOPC concluded that there was a case to answer for gross misconduct against both officers. A week-long disciplinary hearing found gross misconduct proven against PC Humphries for breaches of professional standards, including use of force, authority, respect and courtesy, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct. The panel determined that the other officer's actions did not amount to gross misconduct.
“PC Humphries failed to deescalate the situation, which instead quickly escalated after they used excessive force. PC Humphries has been held accountable for his actions for failing to abide by the professional standards, which are in place to ensure officers safely serve our communities.”
The IOPC referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided that there was no criminal case to answer for either officer.
Next steps
The final written warning issued to PC Humphries will remain on his record for two years. The IOPC stated that any use of force by officers must be reasonable and proportionate.
Questions this report answers
01What happened to PC Aaron Humphries?
PC Aaron Humphries of Kent Police was found guilty of gross misconduct for using excessive force during an arrest on 7 September 2024. He has received a final written warning that will stay on his record for two years.
02Why was the officer investigated?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigated after the man arrested by PC Humphries appeared to lose consciousness. The man also complained that officers used a disproportionate amount of force during his arrest.
03Was the officer charged with a crime?
No, the Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence gathered by the IOPC and decided that there was no criminal case to answer for PC Humphries or the other officer involved.
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