A video went viral last week of a cop in Liverpool city centre who reprimanded a man for filming other people – the officer has since received a torrent of online backlash
Merseyside Police has slammed “sexist abuse” directed at a female officer who found herself at the centre of a social media storm after telling a man filming people that it was “a bit noncey that, mate“.
A video was widely circulated showing a police officer in Concert Square in Liverpool city centre confronting an individual filming their interaction. In the footage, the officer is heard saying: “Do you have a problem? Do you just want to video people? Bit noncey that, mate,” before turning back to her colleagues.
Earlier today, the force confirmed that the officer had been reminded of her professional duties after being caught on camera making the “unacceptable” comment.
However, they issued a statement strongly condemning the online abuse she faced following the video’s circulation.
An internal investigation was initiated on October 26 after senior officers were alerted to the footage, apparently filmed the previous night.
A complaint was lodged regarding the officer’s behaviour, reports the Liverpool Echo.
This afternoon, Merseyside Police released a statement confirming the conclusion of the investigation into the video that had been shared on TikTok and other social media platforms.
It criticised the backlash the officer had experienced online, particularly the misogynistic comments.
The statement read: “Liverpool city centre is a safe and enjoyable destination for all those who visit and enjoy.
“But it is not without its challenges, and our officers go into often unpredictable, dynamic situations. Increasingly officers are being subjected to people directing cameras at them as they try and go about their duties.
“The comment made by the officer was unacceptable but it does not justify the level of misogynistic abuse she has gone on to receive online and we condemn any abuse of our officers in the strongest possible terms.
“We welcome public scrutiny but ask that it doesn’t interfere with officers doing their jobs.
“Nevertheless we expect officers to behave responsibly and behave professionally.”
The constable seems to have avoided any official punishment though, with the statement revealing how personnel had been reminded of their duties to conduct themselves professionally.
It stated: “We expect and demand the highest standards of professionalism from officers and staff at all times.
“Our professional standards department (PSD) has reviewed the incident as the officer’s comment did not meet these standards. This matter has been addressed with the officer concerned.
“The officer in question and all officers and staff have been reminded of their responsibility to remain professional.”
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