Karen Findlay: Police chiefs condemn abuse of transport commander

Senior police figures have condemned the "sexist and homophobic" comments made online about a colleague.

Commander Karen Findlay was targeted on X following her move and promotion to assistant chief constable at the British Transport Police (BTP).

Among messages of congratulations was "horrendous" abuse, said Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley.

Cdr Findlay said the "misogynistic, homophobic, sexist vileness" she experienced was "not ok".

"As female officers and staff colleagues, within policing and in any other job, our professional experience, contribution and commitment should be the focus," she said.

Sir Mark said in a pointed statement: "I am angry. My colleagues are angry. It isn't acceptable and it's happening too often."

He added that the "intensity of the racist, sexist, and homophobic abuse" aimed at police officers online is "alarming" and "hugely damaging" at a time when the force is trying to recruit officers from under-represented parts of the community.

His comments were echoed by Chief Constable of the BTP, Lucy D'Orsi, who said that while she was "disgusted by the replies", she had decided to leave the post up to "spotlight the misogyny that women in policing continue to face."

"Let me be clear, I will not accept bullying", she said.

Cdr Findlay has more than 30 years of experience, Ms D'Orsi said in her statement, and the appointment of a "senior woman in policing" should be celebrated.

Cdr Findlay is a former international rugby player who played for Scotland's women's national union team, and she also coached the women's Harlequins team for five years.

She was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in the 2024 New Year Honours list, for her work during the King's Coronation last year the Queen's funeral in 2022.

Cdr Findlay has also been awarded the King's Police Medal, and played a key role in a team that worked on security for the London 2012 Olympics.