05/12/2012

Police Whistleblower Warned Off Twitter Ahead Of Investigation

A police officer has been told not to use their Twitter account and is facing an inquiry into alleged gross misconduct after raising concerns about the reform of the service.

James Patrick has spent months highlighting on a blog and on Twitter his concerns about how he believes cuts to the police service and reforms will affect public safety.

His lawyer Karen Todner said he had tried to raise these issues with his senior officers to no avail.

She said: "He is a whistleblower and what this is about is freedom of expression. This is someone who has tried to raise his concerns through the legitimate channels but was not able to do so."

Todner said Patrick had been placed on restricted duties by the Metropolitan police and ordered "not to have contact with the public, external agencies or stakeholders".

The constable in the Metropolitan police, is one of four officers to have been encouraged or told not to use social media by senior managers at forces in England and Wales in the last few weeks.

(H)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 May 2014
'Skull Cracker' In Custody In London
Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, 55, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.
12 January 2012
Met Police Choppers Join Twitter
London's residents can now find out what the MPS Helicopters are up to, thanks to the launch of the Air Support Unit's official Twitter account. @MPSinthesky got off the ground last Tuesday and captured 1,000 followers within hours of going live.
30 September 2010
Police Recruits 'Could Be Unpaid'
In a bid to save money, the Metropolitan Police Authority are considering whether potential police officers should work as unpaid volunteers for 18 months before employment. Regardless of previous qualifications and experience, police recruits currently receive 25 weeks of training, earning £23,000 during their first two years.
14 March 2008
Police Chief's Body Released For Burial
The body of Greater Manchester Police Chief Michael Todd has been released to his family for burial. The 50-year-old married father-of-three was found dead at the foot of cliff near Bwlch Glas in Snowdon north Wales on Tuesday afternoon.
05 October 2006
Review launched following Israeli embassy police row
Metropolitan Police chief Sir Ian Blair has ordered an inquiry after a Muslim police officer was excused from guarding the Israeli embassy in London.