Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Role Reversal: Policeman Banned from Nottingham Forest Games
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Vital Football - Nottinham Forest
A Notts police officer has been banned from attending Forest matches and disciplined by the force after claims he shouted racist abuse at players.
The action against PC Mark Marriott followed an investigation by the force's professional standards unit into complaints of obscene and abusive language at matches when he was off-duty.
Police were contacted by Forest after the club received a complaint from a couple about PC Marriott's behaviour.
South Notts Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent John Busuttil, said: 'The complaint relating to a Notts police officer has now been independently investigated by the professional standards unit. It has resulted in the officer being disciplined in accordance with the police misconduct regulations, and will remain on file.
'Nottinghamshire Police expects professional conduct and behaviour of its staff both on and off duty. Staff should never place themselves in a position that could compromise the standards expected, or the reputation of the organisation.
'The outcome of the investigation is a clear indication that we treat any breach of this trust seriously and that misconduct will not be tolerated.'
The Evening Post understands that PC Marriott - a prisoner handler at Carlton police station - received a formal written warning which will remain on his record throughout his police career.
PC Marriott, who lives in Derbyshire, was a season ticket-holder in the upper section of the Bridgford Stand at the City Ground until the end of the 2005-6 season.
The husband and wife who complained to Forest, who do not want to be named, said: 'We were shocked when we learned the person shouting the abuse was a serving police officer.
'There were lots of parents with children in the Upper Bridgford End when he was shouting at players.
'When we and others told him to stop, he would swear at us and said it was none of our business.
'Football is a game played and watched with passion, but there is no place for this.'
The couple have been sent a copy of the completed inquiry by the Notts police professional standards unit, which included an undercover officer posing as a supporter in a seat close to PC Marriott and his party.
It describes how PC Marriott was shown CCTV footage of him shouting in the direction of the pitch at the Forest v Colchester United League One clash at the City Ground on Saturday, April 8, 2006.
He claimed he only 'mouthed' certain words, but confirmed to investigating officers he was the man on the footage.
He accepted making a 'V' sign in the direction of the pitch.
Generally, he made no admissions during interview as to language allegedly used at matches.
The professional standards unit found that allegations against PC Marriott were 'substantiated'.
The Crown Prosecution Service assessed the evidence against PC Marriott provided by the standards unit but decided not to prosecute.
A spokesman for Nottingham Forest said: 'A complaint was received by the club during the 2005-6 season which was immediately put in the hands of Notts Constabulary. We have assisted the police with their inquiries at all times and will continue to do so.'
A source at the club confirmed the officer had been banned, but the club refused to comment on the length or other details of the ban. Vital Football
Vital Football - Nottinham Forest
A Notts police officer has been banned from attending Forest matches and disciplined by the force after claims he shouted racist abuse at players.
The action against PC Mark Marriott followed an investigation by the force's professional standards unit into complaints of obscene and abusive language at matches when he was off-duty.
Police were contacted by Forest after the club received a complaint from a couple about PC Marriott's behaviour.
South Notts Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent John Busuttil, said: 'The complaint relating to a Notts police officer has now been independently investigated by the professional standards unit. It has resulted in the officer being disciplined in accordance with the police misconduct regulations, and will remain on file.
'Nottinghamshire Police expects professional conduct and behaviour of its staff both on and off duty. Staff should never place themselves in a position that could compromise the standards expected, or the reputation of the organisation.
'The outcome of the investigation is a clear indication that we treat any breach of this trust seriously and that misconduct will not be tolerated.'
The Evening Post understands that PC Marriott - a prisoner handler at Carlton police station - received a formal written warning which will remain on his record throughout his police career.
PC Marriott, who lives in Derbyshire, was a season ticket-holder in the upper section of the Bridgford Stand at the City Ground until the end of the 2005-6 season.
The husband and wife who complained to Forest, who do not want to be named, said: 'We were shocked when we learned the person shouting the abuse was a serving police officer.
'There were lots of parents with children in the Upper Bridgford End when he was shouting at players.
'When we and others told him to stop, he would swear at us and said it was none of our business.
'Football is a game played and watched with passion, but there is no place for this.'
The couple have been sent a copy of the completed inquiry by the Notts police professional standards unit, which included an undercover officer posing as a supporter in a seat close to PC Marriott and his party.
It describes how PC Marriott was shown CCTV footage of him shouting in the direction of the pitch at the Forest v Colchester United League One clash at the City Ground on Saturday, April 8, 2006.
He claimed he only 'mouthed' certain words, but confirmed to investigating officers he was the man on the footage.
He accepted making a 'V' sign in the direction of the pitch.
Generally, he made no admissions during interview as to language allegedly used at matches.
The professional standards unit found that allegations against PC Marriott were 'substantiated'.
The Crown Prosecution Service assessed the evidence against PC Marriott provided by the standards unit but decided not to prosecute.
A spokesman for Nottingham Forest said: 'A complaint was received by the club during the 2005-6 season which was immediately put in the hands of Notts Constabulary. We have assisted the police with their inquiries at all times and will continue to do so.'
A source at the club confirmed the officer had been banned, but the club refused to comment on the length or other details of the ban. Vital Football
