Suella Braverman orders woke cops to focus on policing not politics
SUELLA Braverman has ordered woke cops to stop wasting time on political activism and concentrate on bread and butter policing.
The Home Secretary has launched a landmark review amid fury over rainbow clad officers dancing in the streets.
She blasted an “unacceptable rise” in cops picking sides on controversial issues like taking the knee, trans debates and eco-extremism.
In a letter to policing bosses, the top Tory said officers should focus on tackling crime, rather than getting involved in political matters.
She wrote: “Officers should not be wearing or waving badges or flags that undermine their oath of impartiality or which may lead members of the public to question their impartiality.”
They were also warned it is “grossly insulting” and inaccurate to refer to trans rapists who have a penis as “she” or “her”.
Andy Cooke, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, will lead the investigation into how policing in England and Wales is being influenced by politically correct causes.
He has been told to report back by March.
It follows rows over woke policing, including a “hate incident” recorded after an autistic boy accidentally damaged a copy of the Koran and a police force that said it would not tolerate hateful comments about the gender identity of a trans woman who sexually abused children years before transitioning.
Cops were recently told to stay out of Twitter spats, probe all crimes with a “reasonable lead” and stop attending the majority of mental health callouts.
It is all part of the Government’s drive to return to common sense policing focused on getting the basics right.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to push crime as a dividing line at the next General Election as he attacks Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s record on crime.
Mrs Braverman added: “The British people expect their police to focus on cutting crime and protecting communities – political activism does not keep people safe, solve crimes or support victims, but can damage public confidence.
“The review I’ve commissioned will explore whether the police getting involved in politically contentious matters is having a detrimental impact on policing.
“I will leave no stone unturned in ensuring policing acts for the benefit of the British public.”