Liberty responds to IOPC report on misogyny and bullying in policing

Liberty has responded to a damning report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which found evidence of “disgraceful” bullying, misogyny, discrimination and sexual harassment in policing.

Emmanuelle Andrews, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Liberty, said: 

“We should all be safe from the abuse of power. Today’s report from the IOPC, however, clearly shows that misogyny and racism runs through policing, putting certain people – especially women and people of colour – at serious risk of violence, harm and ill-treatment.

“As today’s report has shown, it is not just a ‘few bad apples’. What we’ve seen at Charing Cross is just one example of many. From the murder of Sarah Everard by a police officer, to the police response to the vigil to commemorate her, and from excessive and discriminatory stop and search practices, to racist Gangs Matrix which targets specific communities and Black people in particular, it is clear these are issues with the culture of British policing, but also with its place in society.

“It is worrying that current political thinking across the board appears to prioritise increased police powers and reduce accountability, from the Government’s Policing Bill to the plans to overhaul the Human Rights Act.

“The police should not be handed more powers. Instead we must have meaningful discussions about how we can better keep communities safe, and prioritise solutions which have human rights and social justice at their heart.”