The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in London has been accused of sharing “inappropriate and discriminatory” images of the son of celebrity Katie Price, Harvey Price. The seven men and one woman were members of a safer neighbourhood team based in Bexley, and they are now facing a hearing for gross misconduct.
From 2016 to 2018, the group shared messages, memes, and videos in what was described as a “toxic” and “abhorrent” culture, according to testimony presented at the hearing. This included a discussion about naming a dog “Auschwitz,” a reference to the Holocaust, and a suggestion to name a dog “Fred,” in honour of serial killer Fred West.
Sergeant Luke Thomas, the most senior officer accused of involvement, and five other members of the group left earlier this week. Glynn Rees and an unnamed officer granted anonymity are the two still serving officers.
Katie Price demanded that the group be “named and shamed” after the allegations against her son Harvey were made public last year. Due to his diagnosis of septo-optic dysplasia, autism, and Prader-Willi syndrome, Harvey is unable to regulate his weight and requires 24-hour care.
Ms. Price published last week on her Instagram account a letter from the Metropolitan Police informing her that a group of officers will face gross misconduct proceedings. Regarding Mr. Price, the letter stated that “a number of Metropolitan Police officers are alleged to have violated the standards of professional behaviour in terms of discreditable conduct.”
According to the BBC, the Met Police takes these allegations seriously and is conducting a disciplinary hearing regarding the group’s conduct. The outcome of this hearing is not yet known.
Katie Price, a model and television personality, has expressed her distress over these allegations and demanded that justice be served. She has urged that the group’s inappropriate and discriminatory behaviour be “named and shamed.”
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that they are actively investigating the allegations to ascertain their veracity. This case has sparked widespread outrage, and citizens eagerly await the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.
