Damned ...police’s culture of sexism
Fear and misogyny rife, watchdog report finds
SCOTLAND’S police are in the grip of a ‘culture driven by fear and misogyny’, a watchdog’s report has found.
Nearly one in three current and former female employees told a survey they had been subjected to harassment – including sexual assault.
The report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) lifts the lid on allegations of ‘sexual assault and harassment, jokes, innuendo, unfair and unequal treatment and a lack of opportunities and support’.
Women also said they had been blocked from promotion and complained of a ‘boys’ club’ of ‘white, middle-aged’ men.
The report follows research by former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini last year which warned of racism, sexism and homophobia in the ranks.
It also comes after the conviction of former Met Police officer Wayne Couzens for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard, which brought sexism in policing under renewed scrutiny.
Last night, Scottish Conservative community safety spokesman Russell Findlay condemned what he called Police Scotland’s ‘dysfunctional governance’. He said: ‘This damning report confirms what many women in policing have been saying for years...
‘Female officers who suffer sexist bullying or worse often discover the price they must pay for whistleblowing.’
Police Scotland firearms officer Rhona Malone won an employment tribunal case this month after claiming that she had been victimised and hounded from her job following her accusation of sexism against a senior colleague.
The latest disclosures emerged in a survey of current and former police officers by HMICS.
Some 33.8 per cent of female respondents had experienced discrimination and 28.5 per cent had suffered harassment. One woman said: ‘We have an appalling culture driven by fear, and misogyny is rife. Older women are treated terribly. They are overlooked and undervalued.’
Another said: ‘I have been sexually assaulted at work, as have most female colleagues I have spoken to. I have also spent years being on the receiving end of sexist “jokes” and banter, been asked questions regarding what sexual practices I take part in and so on.
‘I have also been told I have only received promotions due to being a female, and likewise been asked if I have performed sexual favours in order to get specific jobs/posts.’
One respondent said she had been overlooked for promotion in favour of a less qualified male colleague, and felt ‘discriminated against as a woman’.
Another said that ‘although there have been improvements since I joined the organisation, it still very much feels like a “boys’ club”.’
And yet another voiced concern over a ‘white, middle-aged male culture’.
Within Police Scotland, 32 per cent of officers are female and 1
‘Very much feels like a boys’ club’
per cent are from black or minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.
This is not representative of the general population, which is 51.1 per cent female and 4 per cent BME.
The inspection found evidence of genuine commitment by senior officers to ensure the service is welcoming and inclusive. However, it found fewer signs the leadership message was being translated into action.
As part of the inspection, HMICS conducted an online survey to seek the views of current and former police officers, which received 542 responses.
Ethnic minority recruits spoke of racism, and overall more than 28 per cent said they had been victims of discrimination.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: ‘This report recognises our commitment to building a service with a culture founded on our values so that we better reflect, represent and serve the public. We know through engagement with our own staff associations that there is much work to be done.’