February 18, 2024, 09:50 | Updated: February 18, 2024, 10:13
The abuse of the most senior female police officer shines a light on the toxic culture women face under coercion, writes Fraser Knight.
Photo: LBC/Alamy
The week of the King’s coronation, Metropolitan Police Commander Karen Findlay met with reporters to talk about all the plans she and her team had put in place to ensure the coronation went smoothly.
Our briefing session started at 11am. And she started by revealing that she hadn’t slept because she had been working all night and was watching her dress rehearsal.
But that didn’t stop her. Karen Findlay still wanted to tell us about one of the greatest events this country has experienced in modern history: policing.
And she did it with a smile and a sense of humor.
With over 30 years of experience, Karen Findlay’s law enforcement colleagues I have spoken to have nothing but praise for her.
But what was supposed to be a moment of celebration turned into a moment of hatred and abuse when British Transport Police announced on Friday that she would be joining as its new assistant constable.
Police officers, especially senior police officers, know that they are subject to intense public scrutiny. In fact, my LBC and I have asked our fair share of pressing questions, including Karen Findlay.
But the sexist and homophobic outrage that has spread on social media following this announcement is incredible.
Unsurprisingly, the Metropolitan Police has been embroiled in a scandal that has seen it systematically labeled as misogynistic and homophobic, and a series of reforms are currently being implemented by the leadership team.
But it is clear that frontline police officers are bearing the brunt of the same abuses that the organization is accused of.
And we all have a responsibility to stop it.
Police need more women to build confidence and trust among the public, but as I scroll through the comments below BTP’s announcement on X, I wonder why anyone would want to join them. A question arises.
Karen Findlay herself said: Not the vile misogynistic, homophobic, sexist vulgarity I experienced. It’s not okay. ”
Her current boss, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, slammed the abuse leveled at police officers more broadly, saying: ”
Women’s successes, no matter what career they’re in, need to be celebrated and not backfired. Without abuse.
And if we don’t speak up, we become part of the problem.
Police have a duty to keep us safe. We have an obligation to do better.
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