- UK police condemn online abuse
- Senior officer faces sexist remarks
- Forces defend against online trolls
While some senior officers described the remarks as “hugely damaging,” “misogynistic,” and “homophobic,” Ms. Findlay characterized them as “sexist vileness.”
The highest-ranking police officer in the United Kingdom has condemned “horrendous personal, sexist, and homophobic” remarks directed at the recently appointed Assistant Chief Constable.
On Saturday, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley issued a statement on X, claiming that the post, which announced the transfer of Commander Karen Findlay from the Met to the British Transport Police (BTP), had been “attacked by anonymous online trolls who made abhorrently personal, sexist, and homophobic remarks.”
“I am furious. My colleagues are angry. It is unacceptable and happens far too frequently,” he stated.
Mr. Rowley, reflecting on the broader issue of online abuse faced by law enforcement, stated: The racist, misogynistic, and homophobic abuse directed at officers on social media is alarmingly increasing.
This is extremely detrimental at a time when we need to recruit officers from underrepresented sections of our communities.
Furthermore, it is intolerable that those whose vocation it is to protect and assist others are increasingly subjected to such intrusive, abhorrent, and malicious mistreatment,” the Commissioner continued.
On social media, he implored individuals to “consider their behaviour,” asserting that his colleagues “deserve better treatment.”
Ms. Findlay, who has over three decades of experience in law enforcement, herself denounced the “homophobic, sexist vileness” in a Saturday post on X, urging that her appointment be evaluated based on “professional experience, contribution, and commitment.”
She reposted a statement by Lucy D’Orsi, Chief Constable of the BTP, in which she expressed astonishment at the number of individuals who used our post commemorating the promotion of a senior woman in law enforcement to post vile, hateful, and homophobic remarks.
Despite being “disgusted” by the responses, Ms. D’Orsi stated that the post would remain live on X. She wants to “draw attention to the ongoing misogyny that women in law enforcement continue to face.”
Additional senior officers commented on the matter as well.
Matt Jukes, the UK’s top counter-terrorism official, strongly disapproved of Ms. Findlay’s post. He was provoked by the sexism.
Pippa Mills, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, remarked, “The deluge of congratulations from Karen’s peers is evidence of her sterling reputation.” “Responding to the abhorrently sexist and homophobic remarks made by a few anonymous accounts lacks dignity.”
Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, stated, “The abusive remarks that Ms. Findlay has received are intolerable.”
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Some observers called the soldiers’ defence of Ms. Findlay “humiliating” and advised them to “gain some backbone.” They also labeled her appointment as “memorable.”
Crowning and funeral of the King and Queen were policed by former Scottish international and rugby coach Ms. Findlay. She also played a crucial role in the security operation for the 2012 Olympics.
She was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in the New Year Honours last month.
