Sexist and homophobic abuse against police officers is on the rise, according to Met Commissioner Mark Rowley.
Rowly says Commander Karen Findlay is being targeted by online trolls with misogynistic and offensive comments. Rowley condemned the abuse, highlighting the increasing trend of social media pile-ons against officers.
“I am angry. My colleagues are angry. It isn’t acceptable and it’s happening too often,” Rowley said.
Karen Findlay: Police chiefs condemn abuse of transport commander https://t.co/3ggOi5iohc
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) February 18, 2024
“The intensity of the racist, sexist and homophobic abuse directed at police officers on social media is increasing alarmingly.”
Recent incidents involving a pro-Palestine protest and a Christian preacher have also sparked controversy.
“At a time when we need to attract officers from under-represented parts of our communities, this is hugely damaging,” Rowley said.
“Just in recent weeks, we’ve seen officers become the victim of social media pile-ons for being from Eastern Europe or for appearing to be Muslim.”
Findlay, a respected police veteran, emphasized the need to focus on professional contributions rather than facing such vileness.
“We don’t have to look back far to see really prominent examples from across the country of female officers having their appearance, their hairstyles, their clothing or their perceived sexuality become the subject of ridicule or personal cruelty,” Rowley said.
“As female officers and staff colleagues, within policing and in any other job, our professional experience, contribution and commitment should be the focus,” Findlay said.
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi expressed shock at the hateful responses to celebrating Findlay’s appointment, praising her as an exceptional leader.
“I have been shocked to see how many people took our post which was celebrating the appointment of a senior woman in policing, as an opportunity to respond with vile, nasty and homophobic messages,” Lucy D’Orsi said.
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