A former Hertfordshire Police officer, previously awarded for his bravery in saving lives, has been fired after an incident in Hemel Hempstead where he punched a suspect.
Cory Kattenhorn was found to have committed gross misconduct in a hearing which concluded on Friday, September 27.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2023. A group suspected of stealing catalytic converters had been involved in a police pursuit in the Two Waters Way area of Hemel Hempstead, before trying to flee on foot near a canal.
Mr Kattenhorn is said to have used “unnecessarily aggressive” language and threatened the suspect with a Taser. At the hearing in September, the panel heard how the suspect had been punched twice in the head, causing him to bleed while the officer continued to swear and verbally assault him.
The misconduct outcome report, addressing Mr Kattenhorn, concluded: “Your verbal communication towards Mr A [the suspect] was extremely and unnecessarily aggressive. You swore at him unnecessarily, in a strong and consistent manner, from the start through to the conclusion of your interaction with him.
“Rather than using tactical communication… you aimed your abusive, oppressive, bullying, and offensive language directly and personally at Mr A. You failed to ensure that your behaviour and language could not reasonably be perceived to be abusive, oppressive, bullying, victimising or offensive by the public or your policing colleagues.
“You failed to carry out your role in a professional manner. You therefore failed to act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public with respect and courtesy, and to use your powers and authority lawfully and proportionately, respecting the rights of all individuals. Such conduct amounts to a breach of the following Standard of Professional Behaviour: authority, respect, and courtesy.”
Photo credit: Cory Kattenhorn LinkedIn
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