25 signatures reached
To: Home Secretary, Mayor of London and Sir Mark Rowley MPS Commissioner.
APA: Urgent Call for Inquiry and Transparency in the Arrest of Children by the Metropolitan Police.
To: Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan; Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley; and the London Policing Board
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned citizens who urge your immediate action on a matter of grave importance – the treatment of children, particularly black youth, by the Metropolitan Police.
Recent statistics and reports have shed light on the disturbing practices of the Metropolitan Police, highlighting a disproportionate and often violent approach towards black children. The data reveals a harrowing picture: a significant percentage of these young individuals are subjected to racial profiling, unwarranted stops and searches, and arrests, the vast majority of which result in finding these children innocent.
Given these alarming facts, we call upon you to:
1. Launch a Full, Open, and Transparent Inquiry: We demand an immediate inquiry into the stop and search practices and the arrest of children by the Metropolitan Police. This inquiry should be comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive, with findings made available to the public. The objective is to understand the depth of systemic racism and brutality within the Metropolitan Police and to develop strategies to rectify these issues.
2. Implement Forensic Monitoring of All Arrests of Children: There should be immediate implementation of forensic monitoring and routine reporting of all child arrests by the Metropolitan Police. This should include detailed demographics of the children involved, the reasons for their arrests, the outcome of these arrests, and any use of force during the process.
3. Accountability and Reform: Based on the inquiry's findings and ongoing monitoring, we demand substantial reforms within the Metropolitan Police. These reforms should aim to eradicate systemic racism to ensure the fair and humane treatment of all children and rebuild the shattered trust within the communities.
This petition is not just a call for action; it is a plea for justice and a demand for the fundamental rights of our children to be respected and protected. The current state of affairs is unacceptable and requires your immediate attention and action.
We trust that you will treat this petition with the urgency it deserves and take prompt steps to address these critical issues.
Sincerely,
Lee Jasper
Chair APA
Why is this important?
This petition is a pivotal step in addressing the deeply ingrained issues of racial profiling and the excessive use of force by the Metropolitan Police against Black children. It transcends the mere acknowledgement of systemic injustices; it is about protecting our community's future and ensuring equitable treatment for all children, irrespective of race. Your engagement in this initiative is essential. Together, we have the opportunity to strengthen our collective voice, advocating for transparency, accountability, and crucial reforms in police conduct. This movement is about forging a just and fair society, one where the rights and safety of all children are a priority.
Moreover, this petition is critical in preventing the potential for civil unrest. The disproportionate targeting and mistreatment of black children by law enforcement not only erodes the fabric of our society but also risks sparking widespread discontent and disturbances. By standing united in this cause, we aim to achieve more than policy change; we strive to avert the societal strife that stems from such profound injustice. Joining this campaign is a step towards creating a city where the broken trust is rebuilt between the police and the communities they serve, and every child is valued and respected.
