The police chief who oversaw the King's Coronation and the Queen's funeral has been hit by a torrent of "vile" and "homophobic" online abuse.
Scottish police officer Karen Findlay received an onslaught of offensive comments after the British Transport Police (BTP) posted a photo of her on social media to commemorate her appointment as Assistant Chief Constable. The post read: "We are delighted to announce our new ACC Karen Findlay LVO KPM. A big welcome to Karen, joining us from@metpoliceuk in 2024." Her appointment was targeted by online trolls, many anonymous, making horrendous personal sexist and homophobic comments.
The top officer, who is a rugby coach and former international player for Scotland, was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in the 2024 New Year Honours list for her services at the Coronation and the Queen's funeral. She has also been awarded the King's Police Medal and had an important role in the police coordination team that worked on security during the 2012 Olympics. The outrageous response prompted both BTP and the Met Police to address the backlash, slamming it as "vile, nasty and homophobic."
ACC Findlay also hit back at the misogynistic comments, posting on X, formerly Twitter: "As female officers and staff colleagues, within policing and in any other job, our professional experience, contribution & commitment should be the focus. NOT the vile misogynistic, homophobic, sexist vileness experienced. It's not ok, and nor is being silent on it."
Today, Commissioner Met Chief Sir Mark Rowley said he was "angry" to see the reaction at the "well deserved" appointment. He continued: "The intensity of the racist, sexist, and homophobic abuse directed at police officers on social media is increasing alarmingly. At a time when we need to attract officers from under-represented parts of our communities, this is hugely damaging.
"Just in recent weeks, we’ve seen officers become the victim of social media pile-ons for being from Eastern Europe or for appearing to be Muslim. We don’t have to look back far to see really prominent examples from across the country of female officers having their appearance, their hairstyles, their clothing or their perceived sexuality become the subject of ridicule or personal cruelty.
"Police officers accept that their actions on duty will be scrutinised, sometimes in a very public way. But it is wholly unacceptable that those whose profession is to protect and serve others increasingly face such intrusive, vile and hateful abuse. We will offer Karen the support she needs. We will do the same for those other officers who have been targeted. But I urge people on social media to reflect on their actions. My colleagues deserve better."