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09/09/2008
Top Muslim Cop Suspended Amid Race Case
Britain's top muslim cop has been suspended from duties amid the furore of a high profile race discrimination tribunal.
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been put on "authorised leave" from the Metropolitan Police, over fears the media coverage of the case could compromise the "operational effectiveness" of the force.
Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair took the decision, despite accusations by Chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, Alfred John, that he was "victimising" Mr Ghaffur.
However, Sir Ian has said the suspension was authorised in relation to Mr Ghaffur's "personal conduct" and not the ongoing employment tribunal.
He said: "I have decided that, for the time being, AC Tarique Ghaffur be temporarily relieved of his responsibilities although he will remain an Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the decision has nothing to do with his actions in filing the employment tribunal application or the fact that he has made the allegations which are the subject matter of the employment tribunal claim.
"Rather, my decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself, for example by the manner in which statements were made in his press conference, and in conducting a media campaign, both personally and through the advisers and organisations supporting him."
The Commissioner said he regretted the action and still hopes the dispute could be resolved through mediation.
But Mr John of the Met Black Police Association has branded this "utter nonsense".
He said: "The Met Black Police Association is extremely disappointed that Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been victimised in this manner by Sir Ian Blair.
"The message that this sends to black and minority ethnic officers and staff is clear - 'Exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril. You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised'."
(PR/JM)
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been put on "authorised leave" from the Metropolitan Police, over fears the media coverage of the case could compromise the "operational effectiveness" of the force.
Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair took the decision, despite accusations by Chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, Alfred John, that he was "victimising" Mr Ghaffur.
However, Sir Ian has said the suspension was authorised in relation to Mr Ghaffur's "personal conduct" and not the ongoing employment tribunal.
He said: "I have decided that, for the time being, AC Tarique Ghaffur be temporarily relieved of his responsibilities although he will remain an Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the decision has nothing to do with his actions in filing the employment tribunal application or the fact that he has made the allegations which are the subject matter of the employment tribunal claim.
"Rather, my decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself, for example by the manner in which statements were made in his press conference, and in conducting a media campaign, both personally and through the advisers and organisations supporting him."
The Commissioner said he regretted the action and still hopes the dispute could be resolved through mediation.
But Mr John of the Met Black Police Association has branded this "utter nonsense".
He said: "The Met Black Police Association is extremely disappointed that Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been victimised in this manner by Sir Ian Blair.
"The message that this sends to black and minority ethnic officers and staff is clear - 'Exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril. You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised'."
(PR/JM)
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The man who will replace Sir John Stephens as the next Metropolitan police commissioner has been named today. Sir Ian Blair, 51, on Oxford graduate who has 30 years experience with the Met, served as a constable, sergeant and inspector in both uniform and CID in Central London.
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The man who will replace Sir John Stephens as the next Metropolitan police commissioner has been named today. Sir Ian Blair, 51, on Oxford graduate who has 30 years experience with the Met, served as a constable, sergeant and inspector in both uniform and CID in Central London.
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London’s emergency services have today been running a major security drill in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Office workers and passers-by stopped to watch as emergency services descended upon the disused underground station of Aldwych in the first of action of a two-day training exercise entitled Exercise Forward Defensive.
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Met Women's 'On The Beat' Anniversary
It is 90 years since the first female Metropolitan Police officers donned their uniforms and began policing London. To celebrate this milestone an event was held this week, hosted by Martin Tiplady Director of Human Resources, at the official MPS historical archives 'The Met Collection' in West Brompton.
22 October 2007
Police In 'Dock' Over Menezes Killing
The police chief in charge of the officers who killed Jean Charles de Menezes has denied giving the order to shoot the innocent Brazilian. Officers mistook him for would-be suicide bomber Hussain Osman, codenamed Nettletip.
Police In 'Dock' Over Menezes Killing
The police chief in charge of the officers who killed Jean Charles de Menezes has denied giving the order to shoot the innocent Brazilian. Officers mistook him for would-be suicide bomber Hussain Osman, codenamed Nettletip.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
