A viral video has sparked outrage online after it has been revealed that police maltreated a Black mother who was wrongfully arrested for bus fare evasion in front of her son.
In video footage, the woman – whose name has not been identified – is heard yelling at two white police officers who handcuffed her in south London Friday.
According to reports, the woman was accused of not paying to onboard a bus. Police say she refused to show her pass to a ticket inspector and was subsequently arrested, but she was let free after it was confirmed that she had indeed paid for her fare.
A watchdog for Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been brought in to investigate the case, which some are calling racial discrimination.
“We have received a complaint referral from the Metropolitan Police Service following an incident in Whitehorse Road, Croydon on July 21 where a woman was handcuffed,” according to an IOPC statement. “We will now assess the referral and decide if any further action is required from us.”
In another statement, Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist stated that “It is clear from the video that has been shared online that this incident was distressing for the woman involved and particularly for her child. We understand why it has prompted significant public concern and we want to be transparent about our position and the role of our officers.”
He continued: “The woman involved in this incident was asked to provide her ticket as she got off the bus, but did not do so. She was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion and was handcuffed. When officers were able to take her ticket from her so that the TfL inspectors could check it, they were able to confirm it was valid. She was immediately de-arrested and her handcuffs were removed.”
Twist further added that he is working with Transport for London to ensure issues like these do not arise again in the future.
Fellow MP Claudia Webbe also chimed in stating: “The most disrespected person is the black woman. The most unprotected person is the black woman. The most neglected person is the black woman. The Met Police is the boot of the state; they do not care about black people, and black women in particular.”
