West Midlands Police pay in excess of £820,000 to former firearms officer in police discrimination claim
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The female Detective Inspector joined West Midlands Police Firearms Unit in 2012 and was one of seven women in the unit, alongside 250 male colleagues. During this time, the female officer faced a ‘toxic and discriminatory culture’ where she was subjected to sexual discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
One of the unit’s training exercises consisted of officers providing first aid to a victim who had been shot in the chest, specifically the top left breast. The female officer played the role of the victim in this scenario and was made to have her clothes cut off, therefore exposing her underwear in order for her colleagues to administer first aid. This ordeal left her feeling ‘extremely uncomfortable’. On another occasion, a male colleague pushed his foot on the back of her neck and said, “just because you have tits does not mean you cannot do a press up”. These are just two incidents among many others, including being described as a ‘poster girl’ for the force.
The force also neglected to cater its uniform, body armour and equipment for its female users. This meant the officer was not provided with appropriate equipment, including ballistic body armour, to carry out her role.
The officer remained within the unit as she wished to make a change to the negative culture from the inside. She had long term aspirations of progressing through the ranks and attaining the position of Chief Constable which she felt she was on track to do. However, she suffered significant psychiatric injury as a result of her treatment, and had no option but to medically retire, being unable to work for the police for the foreseeable future.
The ex-officer had previously been awarded £30,000 in an employment tribunal. However she has now received further compensation for her loss of earnings and pension, increasing the overall package to over £820,000. West Midlands Police have stated that “there is no place for misogynistic, discriminatory, or disrespectful behaviour’’ and have confirmed that three serving firearms officers are currently suspended, with a further ten in the disciplinary process.