A partial video clip (scroll down) that has garnered almost 6 million views on Twitter has sparked debate, prompting a review by the Metropolitan Police.
The video shows two officers from the force arresting a woman, accompanied by her young child, on suspicion of fare evasion in Croydon.
However, the footage shared online only tells part of the story, as the full version captured on the officer’s body-worn cameras has yet to be released.
The incident occurred during a pre-planned operation by the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) ticket inspectors, on Friday, 21 July.
The operation took place on Windmill Road, where passengers’ tickets were being checked as they alighted from buses.
The woman was arrested after she failed to show her ticket when asked by a TfL inspector, a PCSO, and finally, a police officer.
The situation escalated when she attempted to leave the scene, leading to her arrest for fare evasion and the use of handcuffs.
Once officers were able to obtain her ticket and verify its validity, she was immediately de-arrested, and the handcuffs were removed.
The child present at the scene was comforted by a PCSO, a detail that has contributed to the widespread concern over the incident.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist expressed regret over the impact the incident may have had on the child.
“Anyone seeing how upset he was would be moved by this, and we regret any impact it may have on him,” he said.
Twist emphasised that while the use of handcuffs can be concerning, especially for minor offences such as this, they remain an option for officers when individuals attempt to physically leave an incident.
He assured that all uses of force must be proportionate and necessary in the circumstances.
Acknowledging the controversy, the Assistant Commissioner highlighted the challenge of such operations.
He said, “Ticket inspection operations of this nature are difficult. They place police officers in direct confrontation with frustrated members of the public and could escalate what would otherwise be civil matters to a different level.”
In light of this incident, the Met plans to work with TfL to reassess the balance between officers tackling the most serious crimes on the transport network and supporting TfL’s own operations for revenue protection.
Even though an initial review did not identify any conduct matters, the Met is voluntarily referring the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for review due to the level of community concern generated.
Read the full statement issued by AC Matt Twist:
“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.
“Officers from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command were supporting TfL ticket inspectors on a pre-planned operation in Windmill Road, Croydon on Friday, 21 July. As buses pulled into the stop, TfL inspectors would check the tickets of those onboard and also those getting off.
“Anyone without a valid ticket is required to provide their details to a TfL inspector so a penalty fare can be issued. This is not a policing matter. Officers only become involved where details are not provided or where someone tries to leave when challenged.
“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 spoken to by a TfL inspector, then by a PCSO and finally by a police officer. She continued to try to walk away and did not provide her ticket for inspection.
“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.
“Throughout the incident, the child was comforted by a PCSO who immediately recognised his distress. Anyone seeing how upset he was would be moved by this, and we regret any impact it may have on him.
“We recognise that the use of handcuffs can be a cause of concern, particularly given the context of this incident and the type of offence involved, but when a person is trying to physically leave an incident, it is an option officers can consider. All uses of force must be proportionate and necessary in the circumstances.
“Ticket inspection operations of this nature are difficult. They place police officers in direct confrontation with frustrated members of the public and could escalate what would otherwise be civil matters to a different level.
“This incident raises questions about the extent to which officers are having to intervene in this way when supporting TfL in their operations. We will now work with TfL to ensure that the balance is right between officers tackling the most serious crime on the transport network and supporting their own operations to ensure revenue protection.
“An initial review of the officers’ actions did not identify any conduct matters, but we will reflect on it carefully, in discussion with communities locally, to urgently identify any opportunities to do things differently.
“Given the level of community concern generated we believe it is in the public interest to voluntarily refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to review.”
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WTF so this is how we do it @metpoliceuk over a bus fare …. In front of her child …. And you wonder why people are scared and hate the police ….. are you having a laugh – was sent this video this morning. #nojusticenopeace when we getting systemic change?!? pic.twitter.com/7fnt2SYI2h
— Saskia (@Saskia_Cole) July 22, 2023
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This idiotic woman refused to show her valid ticket on demand. She continued to escalate matters until she was arrested. Of course, the Met is to blame for this and the IOPC called in to investigate.
What a monumental waste of money. The only services that should be called in are mental health specialists to treat this woman for terminal stupidity. All she had to do was to show her ticket and be on her way. That is the whole idea of tickets. They are proof that the fare has been paid.
Fare evasion is theft, every bit as much as driving off without paying for fuel. Granted, the sums are smaller, although given the sky high prices on trains these days, that is debatable. However, theft theft. Based upon the story above, the police acted quite correctly.
What should now happen is that she should be billed for the cost of wasting police time and indeed that of TfL. Hopefully, she will behave properly next time.
What will actually happen is that she will claim be some minority or other, real or imagined and will complain about being picked on. The IOPC will spend vast sums of public money and end up going nowhere. Come to think of it, she should be billed for that too.
They need to be onbthe railways fare evasion is rife and is more costly than a £2 fare on the bus.
This is a transport system that is emeraging money left right and centre plus top to bottom
More action needed here.