London Police: Officer Unaware He Had ‘Boycott Israeli Apartheid’ Sticker
London’s Metropolitan Police has confirmed that an officer photographed wearing a boycott Israeli apartheid sticker on his arm during an anti-Israel march in central London was unaware that the sticker had been placed there by a member of the march.
The incident came to light when a member of the public noticed the sticker and promptly removed it. In response, Matt Ward, deputy assistant commissioner of the police, expressed disappointment at the disrespectful behavior exhibited towards officers while carrying out their duties. He also highlighted the negative impact that such incidents can have on the public’s trust and confidence in the police force.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism, upon initially posting a clear photo of the officer wearing the sticker, expressed concern about the impact this could have on the Jewish community’s already low confidence in the police force. However, after learning that the officer was unaware of the sticker, the nonprofit organization shared an updated statement with a blurred photo of the officer, acknowledging that the sticker had been placed on him by one of the marchers without his knowledge.
Various individuals and organizations within the Jewish community have expressed skepticism regarding the officer’s lack of awareness about the sticker. Gary Mond, chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, emphasized the importance of acknowledging events like this that erode trust and confidence in the police. He voiced doubt about the officer’s claim, stating that the officer should have noticed the sticker and removed it immediately.
Jake Wallis Simons, editor of the London Jewish Chronicle, echoed the concerns about the police’s impartiality and their lack of interest in addressing such issues. He mentioned a previous incident in which two police officers posed for a photograph with a child holding a Palestinian flag, leading to public concerns regarding police impartiality and the need for correction.
The Metropolitan Police acknowledged that engaging and being friendly with the public is encouraged but recognized that posing for a photograph during a protest about a contentious issue was not advisable. However, the police stated that the officer’s intention was simply to positively engage and confirmed that no action would be taken against him.
These incidents raise questions about the impartiality and sensitivity of the police force in contentious situations. Concerns about the impact on public trust and community confidence in the police must be addressed to ensure a fair and unbiased approach to law enforcement.
Overall, incidents like these highlight the need for increased awareness and sensitivity among police officers when participating in or monitoring public events with divisive themes. The focus should be on ensuring the utmost professionalism, impartiality, and respect for all communities involved, fostering trust and confidence in London’s Metropolitan Police.
