Promotion For Killing?

adayinthelife · February 23, 2007

Policewoman involved in de Menezes shooting promoted

Reuters

Monday, February 19, 2007

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenew...AIN-MENEZES.xml

A senior officer involved in the fatal shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes on a London underground train was promoted on Monday to one of the city's top policing jobs, looking after the royal family's safety.

Cressida Dick was in charge of the operation that led to de Menezes, 27, being shot seven times in the head on a Tube train at Stockwell station in south London in July 2005 after he was mistaken for a suspected suicide bomber.

His family has said they are "disgusted" by Dick's promotion.

"Having considered these circumstances, we are satisfied that our decision to confirm promotion is the right one to take at this time," said Len Duvall, the MPA's chairman.

"The MPA is keenly aware that the people of London must have confidence in the police who work, in what are often difficult circumstances, to protect them.

"By confirming this promotion we are making it clear that the officer retains our full confidence."

The provisional selection of Dick for promotion, announced in September, was described as "just one more slap in the face" by the family of de Menezes, who said they were "absolutely disgusted and outraged" by the decision.

Last July it was reported by the BBC that the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), had recommended that Dick face criminal action for her handling of the operation.

However, prosecutors decided no police officers involved in the incident should face action. The Crown Prosecution Service instead ruled that the London force as a whole should be prosecuted under health and safety laws.

So why exactly was she promoted?

Just when his family think the police involved being immune from prosecution is some kind of sick joke, the person in charge of the operation is now rewarded with a promotion.

Nebraska Red · February 23, 2007