We are commencing legal action against @metpoliceuk . When we believe members of our team have been treated unlawfully by the police, we will seek legal advice and take legal action where necessary. (1/13)
#DEFUNDTHEPOLICE
#DEFUNDTHEPOLICE
We are appalled by the daily abuse, violence, and harm inflicted specifically on young Black people by the police. The campaign by police to criminalise young Black people is so robust that all those in proximity to them are subjected to maltreatment and criminalisation. (2/13)
On 12/04/2020, our Head of Community Support, @patchy_kusai was unlawfully detained and wrongly issued a Fixed Penalty Notice under COVID-19 legislation while supporting a member of The 4Front Project. (3/13)
On 12/04/2020 @MetTaskforce arrested a 4Front member on suspicion of possessing drugs - which he denied. The police refused his request to call @4FrontProject for support. @patchy_kusai received a distress call from another 4Front member who was witnessing the incident. (4/13)
@Patchy_Kusai drove to assist & support. On arrival, he was confronted & challenged by the @mettaskforce. Despite identifying himself as a key worker & being calm throughout, he was handcuffed by 4 officers who grabbed & twisted his arms, whilst tightening the handcuffs. (5/13)
@patchy_kusai was forced into a police van & illegally detained. Despite wearing a 4FRONT uniform (inc lanyard ID)& repeatedly identifying himself as a key worker, @metpoliceuk unlawfully & illegally issued Kusai with a Fixed Penalty Notice for breaching COVID legislation. (6/13)
This treatment was absolutely outrageous & excessive. The @metpoliceuk completely failed to follow the @CollegeofPolice guidance in relation to “Engage, Explain, Encourage & Enforce”, with enforcement being an absolute last resort, where policing by consent is a priority. (7/13)
This incident further evidences the extent of the disregard & disrespect @metpoliceuk have for our work to build peace in our communities without the use of the criminal justice system. Policing is inherently violent. We must #DefundThePolice & invest in community services.(8/13)
@mayoroflondon WE NEED ANSWERS. This case is one of many. On numerous occasions whilst providing crucial support services & in the presence of the young people we support, our staff members have been assaulted, abused & disrespected by @metpoliceuk. We will not accept this.(9/13)
The pervasiveness of institutional racism within policing is evident in the way the police repeatedly subject our staff to racial discrimination, harassment, abuse & violence - all whilst they are doing their job to safeguard, protect & support our members. @MayorofLondon (10/13)
These incidents of abuse by @metpoliceuk not only undermine our efforts to build our members’ confidence in dealing with the police, but fundamentally reinforce their distrust and hatred of the police. @MayorofLondon (11/13)
@4FrontProject will do all within our power to ensure that the rights of our staff, our members & other Black youth are protected & upheld, utilising the extensive legal advice and support freely available to us. (12/13)
We are unwavering in our commitment to empower young people and communities to fight for justice, peace & freedom. Our lawyers have sent a formal letter. We request a response from @metpoliceuk by 29/06/2020.
For our full statement, please visit: 4frontproject.org/4front-legal-a… (13/13)
For our full statement, please visit: 4frontproject.org/4front-legal-a… (13/13)
