My journey working as a 999 call handler for the Met in 2023 was eventful and filled with dedication, but it ended in deep disappointment due to an incident of appalling misconduct. A colleague, while responding to critical emergency calls, exhibited unprofessional and degrading remarks including, but not limited to, derogatory comments about a rape victim and xenophobic comments towards an immigrant. When these incidents were reported, he was initially dismissed, only to be later reinstated as the Metropolitan Police deemed the original panel as "too harsh" and "too heavily influenced by the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Campaign and the Casey Report." 

Such reigniting instances are possible due to the current 'Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 Act', 'Home Office Guidance,' and 'Met Police Policies'. These give room for staff and officers who have violated the Standards of Professionalism to remain in service. This is despite evidential breaches that fundamentally undermine the trust that the public must have in their local police forces. According to Home Office data in 2019/2020, there were 64,699 recorded incidents of police misconduct in England and Wales (House of Commons Library, 2021). It is worrisome that an alarming number of these have been overlooked or treated lightly, subsequently causing miscreants to return to the force.

I am therefore pleading with the government to undertake a review and consideration of these regulations, guidance, and policies. This overhaul is a critical step toward eliminating this form of misconduct within our police forces, re-establishing public trust, and ensuring survivors of all backgrounds and orientations are treated with the respect they deserve when accessing justice. I implore you to sign this petition; help us push for a much-needed reform in our police force.

Please have a look at the updates as there I clarify what the comments made were and what changes I am asking the government to consider. 

If you have been in a similar situation to me and work in public/emergency services, please report to Speak Up Now UK on my website. It will be anonymous but will help us to shine a light on failings. 

Issy Vine Website