Police chief calls out ‘bullying’ response to latest appointment

Last week, British Transport Police announced the appointment of Karen Findlay as its new assistant chief but online responses to her appointment led BTP’s Chief Constable to say she was ‘disgusted’ by the replies showing the misogyny that women in policing continue to face.

Having published a celebratory post announcing BTP’s appointment of a very experienced officer, CC Lucy D’Orsi took to social media to say she was shocked to see the responses filled with ‘vile, nasty and homophobic messages.’

“As leaders, we must never accept bullying”

CC Lucy D’Orsi, British Transport Police.

Karen Findlay LVO KPM is currently serving as a temporary Commander in the Metropolitan Police with responsibility for major events including all key sporting, ceremonial and protest activity. Her recent public order policing command roles include Operation London Bridge, the State Funeral of Her Majesty and as Gold Commander for Operation Golden Orb, the Coronation of King Charles III.

In a statement, CC D’Orsi said that she had decided to leave the social media post announcing Karen’s appointment with its comments intact to ‘spotlight’ what women officers face, adding that to ignore it would not reflect her values or the values of the force.

She thanked those who publicly declared their support as her statement was extensively shared and endorsed on social media.

Karen joins the British Transport Police in June. Appointments to the Chief Officer Group are approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.

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