Police Racism Claims

[Mrluvaluva]

This refers back to a story in a thread that was closed here. (http://www.thisisbigbrother.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198901&highlight=demetrio)

Scotland Yard has referred 10 cases of alleged racism to the police watchdog and suspended five officers.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey confirmed that the 10 cases were being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Scotland Yard initially reported three cases - but the number increased to 10, relating to five officers, early this evening.

The matters were referred to the IPCC after a review of complaints at the force, Mr Mackey said, insisting "the Met does not tolerate racism".

The fresh allegations come after Met boss, Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, vowed to get to the bottom of "very damaging" footage of one officer apparently racially abusing a man and another allegedly assaulting a teenage boy last summer.

Mr Mackey warned there would be further referrals.

He said: "Whilst any use of racist language is abhorrent, what is reassuring for me is that in the ten cases that have been referred to the IPCC, six involve other officers who have stood up and raised concerns, showing that we are an organisation that will not stand for any racist behaviour.

"These officers were not motivated to report their concerns by recent media coverage as this was done before this week.

"I will always want to work in an organisation where someone who believes they've seen unacceptable behaviour feels they can challenge it and report it - knowing action will be taken, as it has been in these cases and as it will be whenever it occurs.

"The Met does not tolerate racism."

At least three of the five officers were based in Newham, east London, and were suspended earlier today in relation to complaints that they used racist language.

Mike Franklin, a commissioner with the IPCC, said: "Naturally members of the public are going to have concerns that this again involves officers based in Newham Borough and I have asked the Metropolitan Police Service what measures they have in place to ensure allegations of this nature are not more widespread."

Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe was previously forced to speak out after incidents on August 11 last year as police officers in London dealt with the fallout of the riots.

Pc Alex MacFarlane was suspended after a recording was made of a suspect being called a "n*****".

The arrested man, named as Mauro Demetrio, 21, from Beckton, east London, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving but no action was later taken.

He recorded the abuse on his mobile phone.

It also emerged that another officer, reportedly with Pc MacFarlane when Mr Demetrio was abused, was placed on restricted duties.

Action was taken after he was allegedly seen kicking the 15-year-old black boy to the ground and kneeing him.

The incident was said to have happened in the custody area of an east London police station with part of the incident recorded on CCTV.


Sky (http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16203151)


I actually wonder how rife racism is in the police force and how many of the alleged perpetrators colleagues feel intimidated to report such matters or just put up with it.

[Shaun]

I can't help but think this whole situation casts light on the motivation behind the riots.

[thesheriff443]

I can't help but think this whole situation casts light on the motivation behind the riots.

two wrongs dont make a right!
if i had my way those involved in the riots, should have been shot,

[Livia]

Well, one positive thing I guess is that complaints were made by other officers. In an ideal world the police service would be made up of a more diverse ethnic mix to reflect the community they serve. Until they get some kind of respect from all the communities, I don't suppose many black and Asian people will be tempted to join. That respect is going to be hard to earn while there are still serving officers who bring the rest of the service into disrepute.

[Kizzy]

As said this is not complaints by the public. And there are many measures taken to identify racism in new recruits from assessed role play to psychometric tests, if there are prejudices found those applicants do not progress.
Im not sure what else can be done to prevent future cases...
I know the police service is crying out for BME applications .

[Mrluvaluva]

Yes. It actually states in the original article "six involve other officers who have stood up and raised concerns". The original case that came to light though must have been high profile for them internally for some time though. I wonder how long it has taken for these other incidents to come to light and I question how long it has taken for them to be reported? It seems to have been stressed that this has not come about due to "recent media coverage".

[Brother Leon]

two wrongs dont make a right!
if i had my way those involved in the riots, should have been shot,

Ironic choice of words.

[Shaun]

two wrongs dont make a right!
if i had my way those involved in the riots, should have been shot,

What a wonderfully productive and calming politician you'd be.

[thesheriff443]

i have no time for scum that think the world owes them something,
i dont care what colour you are,get off your arse and work your way out of the gutter,
this country is too soft,work for it like the rest of us have too

[Brother Leon]

i have no time for scum that think the world owes them something,
i dont care what colour you are,get off your arse and work your way out of the gutter,
this country is too soft,work for it like the rest of us have too


How do you think this can be done?

[Tom4784]

two wrongs dont make a right!
if i had my way those involved in the riots, should have been shot,

What a hypocritical post.

I'm glad that the powers that be are taking this seriously, incidents like the ones previously reported are just completely unacceptable.

[Kizzy]

These cases have almost certainly come to light following recent media coverage, no doubt about that...But its good, get everything out in the open and move forward.
The media are doing an excellent job of demonising the police....Its a wonder anyone wants to police this country to be fair.
To clarify:
QUOTE: The arrested man, named as Mauro Demetrio, 21, from Beckton, east London, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving but no action was later taken.

Untrue....He was SUSPECTED of drug driving...He was ARRESTED as there was an outstanding warrant.

[thesheriff443]

there is no easy way to cure this problem,
you cant help people that dont want to be helped,
but it starts with,if you take a life you loose yours,

[Kizzy]

Sheriff...are you at the cooking sherry again?...lol

[Mrluvaluva]

Untrue....He was SUSPECTED of drug driving...He was ARRESTED as there was an outstanding warrant.

How is that actually true? Do you know something I don't?

[Kizzy]

How is that actually true? Do you know something I don't?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/mar/30/police-racism-black-man-abuse

The officers arrested the man on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and told him he was being taken to a police station to be searched. After being taken into the van, the man was also arrested for missing a previous magistrates court appearance. No further action is to be taken in relation to the suspected driving offence.

It was both to be fair then.

[Mrluvaluva]

My point was this. Which is something I have only read tonight too:

"Later that evening PC Joe Harrington, another of the eight officers who were in the van, arrested Demetrio at the police station on suspicion of attempting to steal an ATM machine during the London riots."


Link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/apr/04/ipcc-investigates-arrest-police-race-row)

So he was arrested a further time also?

And then they paid a visit to his home too?

[Kizzy]

Maybe, I don't know? They could have had CCTV footage, or witness statements naming him...Hard to say...

[Mrluvaluva]

Oh actually it does state in the article: "In a statement, the Met said Demetrio was rearrested after officers became aware of information indicating that his black Citroen C4, which he was driving when he was stopped by police in Beckton, "may have been involved in the theft of an ATM". Demetrio says his vehicle was not in the area of the Asda supermarket during the attempted raid."

Another interesting point also: "Demetrio was arrested by Harrington hours after he handed his mobile phone into the custody desk and witnessed the alleged assault on the 15-year-old.

As more information comes to light, the worse it sounds to be honest.

[Livia]

They could have had a crystal ball, no one on here knows all the facts of the case. The bottom line is, whatever he'd done, for whatever reason he was being arrested, he should not have been racially abused. Other officers were unhappy with what happened and complained before the media frenzy. Good for them.

[Kizzy]

Alleged assault... Lets see what the outcome of the trial is.
Untill then most is heresay...

[Mrluvaluva]

He has not only been racially abused though but extensively harassed too by the sounds of it.

[Mrluvaluva]

Alleged assault... Lets see what the outcome of the trial is.
Untill then most is heresay...

Maybe. Apart from the recording of course.

[Kizzy]

Maybe. Apart from the recording of course.

Yes, that cannot be disputed...That officer said it and thats that...
But everything else , the abuse claims ..The alleged robbery...will have to be beaten out in court.

[Mrluvaluva]

With regards to the original post in this thread. Claims include:

Bullying by a number of police officers and staff against police community support officers over an 18-month period in Wandsworth. Two officers were suspended.

An assault involving five officers from the Territorial Support Group against several youngsters in Hyde Park in 2011.

A complaint from a member of the public of racial abuse by an unidentified police officer while in Camden in January.

Mishandling of calls with a "racial element" by a PC working in the force's central communication command in 2010.

Racist language by a PC working in Westminster between May 2010 and August last year.

Racist language in Islington by a PC and a member of police staff, reported on 26 March. Both the officer and civilian staff were suspended.

An officer convicted on 23 March of racially aggravated public order offences that were investigated by the British Transport Police - a mandatory referral to the IPCC. The officer is suspended.

Allegation of a PC racially abused a prisoner on 11 August in Newham, he has been suspended. Also, two PCs assaulted the prisoner on 11 August in Newham.

Allegation that an acting sergeant and two PCs based in newham used racist language between January and March 2012. All three were suspended on Thursday.

[thesheriff443]

beaten out of the witness in court,lol

[Kizzy]

Like I said earlier...Once these cases are dealt with I hope the Police Service can move forward and rebuild public confidence.

[thesheriff443]

the police are normal people,and by no means perfect,
but we need the police,we also need those that commit a crime to be brought to justice,even if they are the police them selfs,

[Mrluvaluva]

Latest (http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16203151)


Twenty Metropolitan police officers are under investigation for alleged racism, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

At least eight of the officers have been suspended, together with one civilian member of staff.

[Mrluvaluva]

Four NI Police Suspended Over 'Racist Texts' (http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16203871)

A lot of cases seem to be coming out of the woodwork now since the original story.

[Brother Leon]

Pleased the reality is coming out at last.

[InOne]

**** the police

[Livia]

**** the police

No thanks... they always ask you to come quietly.

[Kizzy]

Pleased the reality is coming out at last.

There have been 10 accusations, involving 20 people...Lets keep this in perspective, how many people work within the Metropolitan Police Service?...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17636776

quote:
He said he had commissioned a review of racism complaints and added: "The Met has around 50,000 staff, including 32,000 officers, who were deployed to over 1.3 million incidents last year on behalf of Londoners

[Kizzy]

No thanks... they always ask you to come quietly.

:joker::joker::joker:

[thesheriff443]

No thanks... they always ask you to come quietly.

well, it normaly takes about four of them to do it,lol

[thesheriff443]

Sheriff...are you at the cooking sherry again?...lol

no iv been sucking on a wine gum for too long,

[InOne]

No thanks... they always ask you to come quietly.

I like to make a fuss :hmph:

[Livia]

I like to make a fuss :hmph:

I've heard that about you...

[Mrluvaluva]

A Metropolitan Police officer is to be charged with racially abusing a suspect during the London riots, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.

A review by the CPS found "sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction" of PC Alex MacFarlane.

It has now advised the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to press charges.

It comes after a review was carried out following a decision by the CPS not to charge the officer in January.

London's chief prosecutor, Alison Saunders, said lawyers for the 21-year-old man behind the complaint challenged that decision and a review was carried out.

The advice to charge Mr MacFarlane was issued after a more senior lawyer - who was not previously involved - decided there was enough evidence to prosecute.

Ms Saunders said the initial decision not to prosecute was "regrettable", adding that a prosecution was needed to maintain public confidence.

The CPS has decided to uphold its initial decision not to pursue a separate charge of assault relating to an allegation of "strangulation".

Ms Saunders said there were inconsistencies over the identity of the officer accused of taking hold of the man.

"The complainant said that this was one officer but all other witnesses dispute this," said Ms Saunders.

"There is also inconsistency over why the officer, who does accept that he took hold of the complainant, did so. He and other witnesses say it was in response to the complainant's apparent aggression and in self-defence."

The alleged incident occurred in Beckton, east London, on 11 August - during the week of the riots - when the man was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs but no charges were brought against him.

Another allegation of abuse by a police officer against a youth at Forest Gate police station remains under consideration, the CPS said.

Currently 18 Met officers and one civilian staff member are being investigated over alleged racism.

The police watchdog announced on Monday that it would now automatically investigate all complaints of racism against the Metropolitan Police.

Giving evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee, Met Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe pledged to "drive out" racism at the force.

He said he was pleased that prosecutors had reviewed their original decision.

"We have to let the criminal case take its course," he said, adding "I'm glad that it will be tested in court".


BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17741200)

[Mrluvaluva]

And in today's news...

"A Metropolitan Police inspector has been arrested on suspicion of racial abuse, the force has said.

The male officer was off-duty at the time of an alleged incident in Barnet, north London, on Monday evening.

He was arrested the following day and has been suspended while the incident is investigated by the force's Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

"The male officer was arrested on suspicion of a Section 4 Public Order Act offence (racially aggravated words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress)," a force spokesman said.

"He is at present on police bail and has been suspended from duties pending the outcome of the criminal investigation."

The allegation is the latest in a series of race-related claims made against Met Police officers which are under investigation.

They include the case of PC Alex MacFarlane, 52, who will face criminal charges after being accused of racially abusing a suspect during last summer's riots.

The alleged incident was recorded on a mobile phone. He will appear before magistrates in May charged with a public order offence.

Last week, black firefighter Edric Kennedy-Macfoy claimed he was assaulted and stunned with a Taser by a group of police officers because of his skin colour.

The 28-year-old, who has lodged an official complaint, also said he was insulted and arrested without good cause when he went to assist the six policemen while off-duty as they were dealing with a disturbance last September."


Sky (http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16217006)

[arista]

["The male officer was arrested on suspicion of a Section 4 Public Order Act offence (racially aggravated words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress)," a force spokesman said.]


Yes it needs to be done


Sign Of The Times

[Redway]

To be honest, racism's quite rare these days, but even one active racist is far too much. I personally don't understand why somebody would be stupid enough to think that the colour of someone's skin has anything to do with anything, other than the amount of UV rays either them or their ancestors inherited, but passive racism, as I said yesterday, is fine. My belief is that it's absolutely stupid to even be passively racist, but that's my opinion. We're allowed our opinions, but active racism is just wrong and I hope those policeman never get jobs again.