Met Police: PC denies calling colleagues 'cotton-pickers'
'I am 100% sure'
The pair had a broader conversation before they began speaking about racism in policing, the misconduct panel heard.PC Korell used the term to describe black officers who did not believe the Territorial Support Group (TSG) was a racist unit, the misconduct hearing was told.Insp Phillips alleged that she asked him if he believed the TSG, which both officers were part of at the time, was racist, to which he replied he did not."The conversation was fairly clear," Insp Phillips told the panel. "I don't think there was any misunderstanding. I am 100% sure that was the exact phrase used."It is a very bizarre phrase to make up, and I have very little to gain from making a story up."The hearing was told Insp Phillips emailed PC Korell's line manager to report her language on 17 October 2022.
Could amount to gross misconduct
PC Korell, who is studying for a PhD called On The Experiences Of Black Police Officers, told the panel she bumped into Insp Phillips after a long day of studying at the University of Surrey."I was anxious to get home, I was very uncomfortable," said PC Korell, who had been facing another misconduct hearing when the conversation happened."I was under investigation at the time, I didn't particularly want to see anyone from work, also I was very pregnant so standing up for a long time is not good."The officer denied initiating the conversation about racism in the TSG."Unfortunately, I have never come across a black officer at the TSG who has said there are no issues with race and it is not racist," she told the hearing.If the panel finds the allegation to be true, it could amount to gross misconduct and justify her dismissal, the Met Police said.The hearing continues.
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The Guardian
9 hours ago
- The Guardian
UK rights watchdog warns against ‘heavy-handed' policing of Gaza protests
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Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Telegraph
Further 60 Palestine Action supporters to be prosecuted
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Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Man, 45, charged with murdering 73-year-old after woman found dead with a serious head injury
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