The London Metropolitan Police is coming under fire after a group of 31 cops were caught breaking COVID-19 rules by gathering to get hairs cuts. A tip off launched an investigation that is now looking into sanctioning every cop involved with a £200 fine and charging the two cops responsible for organizing the get together with misconduct.
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A repeated offence form London Police
This isn't the first time that a group of cops have been caught flouting lockdown rules. Just the other week, 9 police officers were caught having breakfast together at a South East London café and were each penalized with a £200 fine.
Detective Chief Superintendent Marcus Barnett explains that the officers had organized a charity event with the intention to donate all the proceeds but that regardless of the philanthropic aim, it did not excuse them breaking COVID rules:
It is deeply disappointing and frustrating that my officers have fallen short of the expectation to uphold Covid-19 regulations. Although officers donated money to charity as part of the haircut, this does not excuse them from what was a very poor decision. I expect a lot more of them.
He also expressed being in complete agreement in having each officer pay the fine:
It is right therefore, officers should each face a £200 fine, as well as misconduct action for those two who organised this event.
Outrage from the public
Following last week's nine police officers gathering for breakfast, the public is now even more outraged about the blatant disregard for government imposed rules from cops.
Barnett explained that:
Quite rightly, the public expect police to be role models in following the regulations which are designed to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. I hope this action proves that police are not immune to enforcement of the rules, and we are prepared as an organisation to take action if we see officers have behaved irresponsibly.
