Thread by @tarantwina

DCI James Mason sexually harassed me after I was mugged. 10 years later I found the strength to report him but despite being found guilty of 8 counts of gross misconduct, he kept his high-profile job in the Met Police with no change in rank, pension, or other benefits.

I still don’t feel that I can have any confidence or faith in the Met police because the system they use to deal with their own crimes is inadequate.

This week I chose to waive anonymity and speak out about my experience and my decision to seek a judicial review. Despite my apprehension, the response has been positive.

I want to encourage more women to come forward about their negative experiences with the police. It’s difficult and takes courage, I know, but if enough women speak out, we can effect real change.

Now is more important than ever to hold the Met police to account for their crimes. Cressida Dick’s departure does not solve the institutional misogyny, racism, and discrimination.

The Met needs a serious institutional and cultural reform as well as a commissioner that is not beholden to the government. The entire notion of policing needs to change. It’s not a position of power, it’s a position of service.

If someone joins the police force because they want to wield authority, in my view this makes them unqualified. The police force needs to reform itself so that it attracts people hoping to protect the vulnerable, nurture communities, and provide a public service.

The police force as it exists instead attracts, nurtures, and empowers people hungry for authority and freedom to act as they wish without consequence. It is rotten to the core.

Policing should be about care and about service and if any officer abuses their position of power, they should be removed immediately.

If you wish to speak with someone about your rights and legal advice concerning a negative experience you've had with the Met Police, you can use this email address: [e-mail]

I am so grateful to Nancy Collins & Gimhani Eriyagolla @HJAcivillibs, @caoilfhionnanna QC, Fiona Murphy & @HarrietEJohnson @DoughtyStPublic, @GoodLawProject, and @donoghuelaw for their support at every step of this journey.

I want to clarify that when I mention women in this thread, that includes trans women. #TransRightsAreHumanRights