Two Metropolitan Police Officers appeared in court last week after making insulting racist comments whilst on duty. Local Assembly Member John Biggs has written to Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Bernard Hogan-Howe, about the shocking racially offensive language they used, expressing his concerns about the effect this will have on the public’s confidence in the police.
PC Kevin Hughes and PC David Hair attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court last week after having been suspended from duty since April. They were cleared by the Court, the Judge stating in his summation that although the language used was offensive it did not involve an actual threat and that one of the officers concerned was not aware that the language he used was offensive. It is understood that Scotland Yard is currently deciding whether to proceed with disciplinary action against the two officers.
Local Labour London Assembly Member John Biggs said:
“I am deeply troubled that these two men who hold positions of authority should use such abusive, racist language and not be aware that they were being exceedingly offensive. The Met needs to lead the way and deal with behaviour such as this extremely seriously.
“I do not believe that the Met is a racist organisation and I think these officers are the exceptions and not the rule. However, the public need to be reassured that the racist language used by these two men will not be tolerated in the Met and is punished accordingly.
“I call on the Commissioner of the Met to restore public confidence and challenge the minority of those in the organisation who feel racist language is acceptable.”
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