Domestic abuse campaigners leave over 1000 rotten apples outside Met
Refuge is calling for "root and branch" police reform
Last updated 20th Jan 2023
A domestic abuse charity has left 1,071 rotten apples outside New Scotland Yard, as it calls for major reform of the police.
Refuge says the bad fruits represent the number of Metropolitan Police officers who have been, or are currently, under investigation for allegations of domestic abuse or violence against women and girls.
Dozens of Refuge staff and supporters attended the peaceful protest, on Friday 20 January. The charity provides specialist domestic abuse services to people across the country.
'This is not one bad apple, this is a rotten orchard'
Refuge now wants immediate root and branch change in how police tackle domestic violence against females.
Refuge CEO Ruth Davison said: "This is not one bad apple, this is a rotten orchard.
"Unless there is root and branch reform of the culture of policing, here at the Met, and nationally, how can women and girls feel safe to come forward when crimes are committed against them?"
At the demonstration, Greatest Hits Radio also spoke to Wendy Turner-Webster - who experienced domestic abuse at the hands of her former partner.
"Vetting processes simply aren't working and they (the Met) have got to do something that protects people.
"If somebody has applied to be in the police force, they have to be squeaky clean, they have to be investigated themselves. The process just can't be fit for purpose at the minute.
"To think that they (perpetrators) are in the police force is just scandalous and it's a massive let down. The system needs to be changed," she said.
It comes as the police receive more calls, after rapist officer David Carrick was exposed as being one of the UK's most prolific known sex offenders.
The sacked Metropolitan Police constable admitted 49 criminal charges, including 24 counts of rape against 12 women.
He had faced complaints about his behaviour before joining the Force 22 years ago, and numerous other times throughout his career, but no action was taken.
The 48-year-old, who used his position to win the trust of victims and then intimidate them, was only suspended from duty in October 2021, when he was arrested for rape. His pay was finally stopped in December 2022, when he first entered guilty pleas.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley insists he's determined to do everything possible to tighten standards.