Shock number of transport police officers probed over sexism and racism claims

06 April 2024 , 19:23

1076     0

One cop was fired for suggesting a colleague would have got a quicker promotion if they had given a b*** job (Image: Getty Images)

British Transport Police has investigated 29 officers over racist and sexist behaviour in two years.

One officer made to reflect on their behaviour told colleagues there were too many Black and gay faces on TV. Another got a written warning for offensive remarks including “Well, if the Blacks can say it, so can I”.

One cop was fired for suggesting a colleague would have got a promotion quicker if they had “given me a b*** job”. And one was axed after flirting with a member the public who he told: “I thought you were Brazilian because you look too curvy to be Asian.”

In 18 of the cases probed, the BTP officers left the force. One cop who quit had sex while on duty, while another quit after sexually assaulting a vulnerable colleague during a work night out.

The figures were revealed in response to a Freedom of Information Act query sent to all 44 police forces in England and Wales. Just five responded in detail. Home Office statistics show 20% of the BTP’s 3,000 officers are women and 11% are from an ethnic minority. Just three of the force’s 35 most senior positions are filled by non-white officers.

Gangsters ‘call for ceasefire’ after deadly Christmas Eve pub shooting

National Black Police Association president Andy George said: “It is disheartening for those that do call out poor behaviour to see colleagues get written warnings or reflective practice when told we have a zero tolerance approach to discriminatory behaviours. These issues require a fundamental reform of the misconduct system.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “These kinds of attitudes and behaviour have no place in policing and it is right that such language has resulted in disciplinary action. An enormous amount of work is going on to drive out racism, misogyny, homophobia and other forms of discrimination.”

BTP said: “We know how important it is for the public to have trust in the people who work for BTP and we have a proven track record for standing up against any type of discrimination.”

Matthew Davis