An auditor was arrested at Devizes Jobcentre following an allegation of assault made by a security guard. However, video footage captured during the incident revealed a different account of events.
The confrontation occurred just before 4pm on 13 March at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) office on Maryport Street, Devizes. Police were called after reports of a disturbance inside the building.
The auditor was conducting a rights-based audit and filming in a public area when a female G4S security guard approached him. She instructed him to stop recording and leave the premises. Footage posted online by Absolute Audits shows the guard, who was wearing a body-worn camera, repeatedly demanding that the auditor turn off his camera. When he refused, she lunged and bumped him with her chest, then said: “Now you’ve touched me… it’s all on camera, off you go.”
Police arrived and spoke with both parties. The auditor offered to show his video evidence live to refute the assault claim, but officers declined to view the footage. He was arrested on suspicion of common assault after refusing to provide identification. Once at the police station, the desk sergeant refused to authorise his detention, and the auditor was returned to the Jobcentre by the same officers.
A few days later, the auditor retrieved his micro SD card from Devizes Police Station. A senior officer reviewed the footage and concluded that no assault had occurred. Wiltshire Police stated: “Due to a lack of evidence, no further action will be taken. If further evidence comes to light, we will re-open our investigation.”
G4S was contacted for comment regarding the security guard’s conduct. A spokesperson declined to address the video directly, stating: “We manage staffing matters in line with good employment practice; it would be inappropriate for us to discuss individual issues.”
The incident has sparked debate online concerning civil rights, the role of private security, and police conduct during public filming audits. The auditor has not yet indicated whether he will pursue legal action or file a formal complaint.
Originally published by UKNIP.
