Cops wearing Union Jack badge in tribute to dead PC 'ordered to remove them in case they OFFEND'
Metropolitan Police officers were allegedly told not to wear the 'thin blue line' badges after PC David Phillips was killed on duty – because they might case "offence"
Police officers wearing Union Jack badges in tribute to PC David Phillips who was killed on duty were allegedly ordered to remove them – because they might cause "offence".
Metropolitan Police officers were reportedly told not to wear the 'thin blue line' badges – a Union jack flag with a blue line through it – because it "could cause offence to some within certain communities".
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Met Police Federation constables' branch, confirmed an email had been sent round at the time of PC Phillips' death saying "the badge may be seen as some sort of political statement".
PC Phillips, 34, was killed in a hit-and-run in the early hours of October 5 in Wallasey, Merseyside.
The married dad-of-two was mown down by the stolen red Mitsubishi pick-up he was trying to stop.
Officers began wearing the 'thin blue line' patch, often used to demonstrate public support for families of fallen officers, in the wake of his death.
But a high-ranking Scotland Yard officer apparently sent the email in fear the badge could cause problems, the Sunday Express reports.
Mr Marsh added: "I don't see any way it can be deemed sensitive. Every officer in the British police force is British."
Earlier this week Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said he had "no issue" with his officers wearing the badge.
A Met spokesman told the newspaper: "The Metropolitan Police Service has a dress code policy to clarify the dress standard expected from all staff, whether they are wearing uniform or plain clothes.
"That policy gives staff the choice to wear specified pins, badges and wristbands. Obviously supervisors are sensible to discretion to other items."
Clayton Williams, 18, has been charged with the murder of PC Phillips.
He was remanded in custody at Wirral Magistrates' Court following a five-minute hearing earlier this week.
Williams stood handcuffed to a prison officer in the dock, accused of stealing a Mitsubishi pick-up truck during a burglary and driving it at the officer, killing him .
Wearing a grey t-shirt and jogging bottoms, Williams spoke only to to give his name and date of birth.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how Williams, who appeared by video link, will be remanded in custody until his next court appearance for a preliminary hearing on October 22.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment-- or suggestions, particularly of topics and places you'd like to see covered