‘Don’t Pre-Judge Police By Social Media’

Police leaders and politicians should ensure they have all the facts before commenting on police cases in the media, South Yorkshire Police Federation has warned.

Chair Steve Kent was speaking after a review of video footage showing a confrontation between police officers and teenage girls found the use of force was “proportionate, necessary and justified to keep all involved safe”.

The clip, which was widely shared on social media, showed officers confronting a group of girls in prom dresses on a street in Rawmarsh, with officers pointing Tasers at the group.

South Yorkshire Police said its Professional Standards Department (PSD) found there was an “opportunity for learning around de-escalation”, but concluded the officers’ response was proportionate.

Speaking after the investigation concluded, Steve said: “There should never be any headlines coming out from police leaders or politicians that pre-judge cases like this.

“We need to stop putting public sensitivity, which is often misplaced, in front of officers’ welfare. Officer welfare has to be front and centre.”

Steve said commentators should allow officers due process and wait until investigations have concluded before making public statements. He added that he had held constructive conversations with the force about its communications strategy going forward.