MET Police officers insult Gypsy and Travellers

Scotland Yard is investigating a private Facebook group used by MET police officers to post an assortment of racist comments towards Roma People. ‘I’ve Met the Met’ was a secret group that was primarily used to lash out various vulgar and apolitically correct statements amongst other members. The group consists of possible MET police officers and has comments ranging from, ‘I thought they [Roma People] were devoid of all normal feelings and thoughts...just my opinion based on many years of dealing with these despicable people’ to ‘I f****** hate Pikeys.’

Concerns for the private group arose three months ago, but the investigation continues to see if the members are current MET police officers. If so, then these comments are in violation of the Scotland Yard Code of Conduct to respect the public and creating an image of equality and respect towards communities. Within the code lies this very statement: ‘Police officers use appropriate language and behaviour in their dealings with their colleagues and the public. They do not use any language or behave in a way that is offensive or is likely to cause offence.’ Offense is the lightest term to describe these comments. This does not bode well for the image of police officers abusing their power and withholding feelings of intolerance towards minorities.

Furthermore, what will worry many is the fact if officers are saying this between themselves how can these same officers be trusted to police without prejudice. The Met police should hold its own urgent enquiry and effectively root out racist officers.

Lastly it is right that The Equality and Human Rights Commission has been notified of this compliant, and is holding its own investigation as well.

Alexandra Fox