| AdminHistory | The 'Rhino Whip' case concerned an assault on three suspects by Sheffield City Police on March 14th 1963. The assaults were carried out using a truncheon and a 'Rhino Tail' whip, which gave the matter its popular name. Two detectives were convicted of the assaults, and dismissed from the force. A subsequent appeal against their dismissal by these detectives was heard at a public Inquiry. The Inquiry upheld their dismissal, but was critical of senior officers in the force. The case caused a national scandal, and the Chief Constable was suspended from the force, and later resigned.
The individuals who were arrested on March 14th, 1963, and assaulted by Detective Constables who worked for Sheffield City Police, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court the following day, where they complained of their treatment by the police. A private prosecution for grievous bodily harm was brought against the detectives, who entered guilty pleas, and were fined. Three further serving officers were also subject to disciplinary proceedings.
The detectives were dismissed from Sheffield City Police, but appealed against this decision. The Home Secretary appointed Queen's Counsel to chair a public Inquiry into their appeals. The Inquiry lasted 12 days, calling 35 witnesses.
The Inquiry reported in November, and while not upholding the appeal of the detectives, was critical of the Chief Constable and a Detective Chief Superintendent, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, who were both suspended from the force. Two officers retired that month, and the Chief Constable resigned from the force on the 20th of November. |