Police Chiefs Condemn Sexist Facebook Group

Strategic Insights -

A closed Facebook group for current and former UK police officers has drawn widespread criticism for its sexist content, with some posts likening women to lingerie and perpetuating predatory behavior towards female colleagues. The group, which has about 5,500 members, has been condemned by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), which stated that the content is "not aligned with policing values." The group's posts have also sparked concerns among the wider community, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) expressing concerns that the content could damage public confidence in the police and bring the service into disrepute.

Key Takeaways:

  • The closed Facebook group, "Ex and Current Police Officers UK," has about 5,500 members, mostly serving and former police officers.
  • Posts on the group have drawn criticism for their sexist content, including depictions of women in lingerie and objectifying language.
  • The group's content has been condemned by the NPCC, which stated that it is "not aligned with policing values."
  • A serving police officer from Thames Valley Police felt compelled to call out the group's content, saying it was "unwise" given the current drive against violence against women and girls.
  • The IOPC expressed concerns that the group's content could damage public confidence in the police and bring the service into disrepute.
  • The NPCC has warned that officers or staff who engage with the posts could face a disciplinary investigation.
  • The group's description has changed to include a warning that "risky banter is allowed, but nothing too offensive."
  • The IOPC has raised concerns with the NPCC and plans to discuss the issue further in its regular complaints and conducts forums.

Statistics:

  • The group has about 5,500 members, mostly serving and former police officers.
  • The IOPC has raised concerns that the group's content could damage public confidence in the police and bring the service into disrepute.
  • The NPCC has warned that officers or staff who engage with the posts could face a disciplinary investigation.
  • The group's description has changed to include a warning that "risky banter is allowed, but nothing too offensive."

Sources:

  • National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) spokesperson
  • Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesperson
  • Thames Valley Police officer
  • Baroness Louise Casey's report into the Metropolitan Police
  • GETTY IMAGES
  • flaminhaystacks/Twitter
  • SOPA Images/LightRocket via GETTY IMAGES
  • Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
  • IOPC Twitter page (@IOPC cops)