21-05-2025
EXCLUSIVE Shocking moment grinning female police officer is caught on camera saying 'let her rot' about vulnerable teenager - then leaving without checking on her
A police officer was caught on camera saying 'let her rot' about a vulnerable teenager who wouldn't answer the door.
The female PC made the disparaging remark after the 19-year-old, who has a history of mental health issues, failed to open the door when she and three colleagues called round.
She has now been removed from frontline duties while Hertfordshire Police look into her use of language which they have described as 'not representative of the constabulary's ethos'.
The case came to light when footage of her remark was widely shared on social media.
A friend of the woman, who made the initial formal complaint, told MailOnline the officers had called round after she had dialled 999 fearing her friend was having a breakdown and was about to take her life.
She further claims that after the offensive remark that officers then left without making the proper checks.
The friend – who has asked not to be named – said the teenager was rushed to hospital the following day after being found unconscious in her flat by her social worker having taken an overdose of pills.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed their officers were called to the property in Watford during the early hours of April 12 but dispute that it was in response to an emergency call, insisting it was related to a court matter and not a welfare check.
What's not disputed is that the minute-long doorbell footage - since obtained by MailOnline - shows a female officer knocking at the door at 1.33am while her male colleagues stand behind her.
As the officers grow increasingly frustrated by the lack of a response to the knock, one of them jokes: 'She's going to stay in there forever isn't she?'
The female officer, who had gazed down at her mobile phone for a split second, looks back up and tells him 'let her rot' before turning away to talk to other colleagues.
She said her friend does not remember hearing the police knock and said the officers left without checking with neighbours to see if any of them had access to the flat.
The woman said: 'My friend lives alone and is only 19 years old and suffers with severe mental health and addiction.
'I called the police as she sent me some concerning texts and I knew her mental state. Unfortunately I was away from home so police was my only option.
'The officers arrived about an hour and a half later. At this point my friend wasn't in any fit state to even stand let alone want any help, which is why she didn't answer her door.
'But the police just left without checking on her. My friend had taken a serious overdose and was admitted to hospital the next day after her addiction worker found her unconscious.
'When she was out of hospital the following day, she showed me the doorbell footage of the police officers, I couldn't believe it. One of them is heard clearly saying 'let her rot' after a colleague made a joke about her staying in the flat forever and not answering the door.
'I think it's disgusting, she was clearly distressed and had made an attempt on her life. They didn't do their job, as far as I'm aware they need to lay eyes on someone during a welfare check which they didn't do, they just left her.
'What if it was something more serious? It's not even worth thinking about!
'Reviewing the footage made my friend feel ten times worse, making her believe that what she thinks about herself is true. It's as if the police basically confirmed it for her to hear.
'Also, I made the call just after midnight on April 12 and it wasn't until 1.33am that the police got there. When they did, there was four of them, which I think could be quite intimidating.
'I believe the police have a duty of care which they absolutely failed to abide by in this case. I'm appalled.'
The woman has suffered mental health and addiction issues most of her life but the problems have grown worse over the last three years meaning she has been unable to find work.
Police have been called to her flat several times in the past and are aware of her struggles, the friend said.
She added: 'There's a massive misunderstanding about Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), especially within the public service.
'There'll no doubt be those who have snarky comments and excuse the police saying they are probably fed up dealing with her.
'But my friend suffered abuse and a very traumatic childhood and is extremely vulnerable. She needs help and care – not an officer turning to another and saying 'let her rot' before leaving without even checking on her.'
Hertfordshire Police have now referred the matter to its Professional Standards Department.
A spokesman said: 'We have received a complaint from a third party with regards to comments made by an officer in Watford on 12 April.
'These comments were made while officers were making enquiries at the address in relation to a court matter. These comments have since been shared on social media and a complaint received on Friday (16 May).
'The language used is not representative of the constabulary's ethos and the matter has been reviewed urgently.
'It has been referred to our Professional Standards Department for further assessment and the officer concerned has been removed from frontline duties while this takes place.'
