By Charlotte Webster-
Sir Mark Rowley, former Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has raised concerns over the increasing targeting of police officers in public debates and the rise in instances of abuse and harassment, both online and in person.
His remarks come amidst a backdrop of criminal allegations against officers, emphasizing the need to differentiate between rightful scrutiny and unwarranted victimization.
“Officers are regularly becoming the anvil on which society beats out its problems, and are being accused of being both woke and fascist for the exact same actions,” said Sir Mark, addressing the complexities officers face in navigating public perception.
In a statement shared on the Commissioner’s LinkedIn page, Sir Mark highlighted a distressing incident where one of his officers faced a barrage of online abuse for sharing a photo of herself participating in an International Women’s Day event.
Despite the officer’s intent to engage with the community and explore new opportunities within the force, she was met with vitriol and criticism.
“This should have been a positive moment in the officer’s career…but instead received a stream of abuse and considerable criticism for giving something new a go,” expressed Sir Mark, condemning the unjust treatment of the officer.
‘There aren’t many professions where from the minute you arrive at an incident to the minute you leave, you are filmed and then critiqued by an army of armchair commentators. Yet this is what happens to our officers and they still come back to work the next day.
‘I’m proud to call them my colleagues and am in awe of their resilience to continue … turning up day and night knowing that whenever they get out of a vehicle more and more cameras are focusing on their actions.
‘But we shouldn’t underestimate the toll this has on them and their families, and how off-putting it is to the next generation who may think: ‘Why would I put myself through that?’
The Met has suffered severe reputational damage in recent years., following the multiple circulation of racist whassap messages from various forces in the country.
This has been worsened by several news reports about police officers who have been convicted for sex offences including rape, other sexual assaults, and violence related offences.
Then on top of that in March 2021 then-armed officer Wayne Couzens raped and murdered Sarah Everard. In the same year, David Carrick, who had been in the force for 20 years, was unmasked as a serial rapist.
The Metropolitan Police was amongst a number of forces that declined to reply from a Freedom Of Information request sent by Sky News for full disclosure of the criminal convictions of its present and past officers.
Yet, the anger felt by the public cannot be used as an excuse for violent conduct against officers who are likely decent and law abiding citizens.
Sir Mark revealed that within 48 hours, 12 officers were injured, including one struck on the head with a bottle and another stabbed in the hand.
Such attacks are a sobering reminder of the risks officers face daily while fulfilling their duty to serve and protect.
Sir Mark further elaborated on the challenges officers encounter in managing public order situations, often met with hostility and accusations of biased policing.
‘Despite the complexities of their roles, officers are subjected to constant scrutiny, with every action scrutinized by armchair commentators armed with cameras, he said.
The statement continues: ‘And they do so in the glare of hundreds of people ready to film their every moment.
The statement follows a weekend of disorder in London as thousands of pro-Palestine protesters took to the streets. During the protests, the Met Police were
Acknowledging the toll this takes on officers and their families, Sir Mark stressed the importance of supporting and protecting those who dedicate themselves to upholding law and order.
He expressed gratitude to the thousands of officers tirelessly working to maintain public safety, recognizing their resilience in the face of adversity.
While emphasizing the need for accountability and reasoned discourse, Sir Mark reiterated his commitment to defending officers against abuse and unwarranted attacks.
He called for ongoing dialogue with the government to ensure officers are supported in their duties while maintaining accountability and appropriateness in their actions.
In a climate of heightened scrutiny and polarization, it is imperative for members of the public to respect the law and the difficult tasks faced by police officers in a challenging job.