A Gloucestershire police officer has responded to public criticism following a viral video showing him using force during an arrest. The initial clip, widely shared on social media last month, was posted without sound and lacked essential context. Crucially, it did not reveal that the suspect, Luke Goodhall, bit the officer on the leg during the confrontation.
On March 19, Gloucestershire Police released body-worn camera footage capturing the incident from the officer’s perspective. The recording reveals the officer yelling in pain and shouting commands such as “Do not bite me! Get off my leg! Get off!” The suspect, 39-year-old Goodhall, was arrested on Eastgate Street shortly after 7:30 pm on February 17.
While the force acknowledged the officer used physical strikes during the arrest, a review by their professional standards department confirmed that the use of force was necessary, proportionate, and justified. The earlier social media clip, filmed from a different angle, failed to show the biting incident and the injury sustained by the officer.
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The unnamed officer, who has served 11 years in policing, expressed relief that the full footage was released. “I hope this transparency fosters better understanding of use of force and decision-making in policing,” he said. Emphasizing open dialogue, he added, “Informed decisions and honest discussions are vital to bridging the gap between police and the public.”
Goodhall, a Cheltenham resident recently released from prison on licence, was initially arrested for an alleged assault on another individual. Subsequently, he was charged with biting the officer and attempting to knee a second officer during a search. At Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on February 19, Goodhall pleaded guilty to assaulting the officer and was sentenced to nine months in prison. He also admitted to common assault of the second officer, receiving a concurrent six-month sentence.
Erica Field, Gloucestershire Police’s use of force lead, reiterated that officers receive regular training to ensure force is a last resort and only applied when necessary and proportionate. “We support our officers and will not tolerate attacks on them,” said Field.
Temporary Inspector Adam Williams from the Gloucestershire Police Federation stressed the importance of fair scrutiny based on complete facts. Highlighting a rise in assaults against officers nationally—nearly 49,000 in the past year—he defended the officer’s actions: “His response was appropriate to protect himself and control a dangerous situation.”
Williams condemned social media “trials” of officers based on one-sided, edited videos. “Our colleague showed professionalism and courage in a distressing incident. We proudly support all officers who face growing risks just doing their jobs.”