Woke police madness as Scottish cops get rid of 'wall of honour' because it 'has too many men on it'

Given pride of place in a police station, it is intended as a ‘wall of honour’.

Yet a collection of portraits of former Chief Constables has been officially ‘cancelled’ by Police Scotland as an example of unacceptable ‘misogyny’.

As part of a drive to modernise and improve, officers are being invited to submit images which they feel reflect the ‘everyday sexism’ within the force.

Presented as a prime example is the gallery of historic – yet exclusively male – senior officers. Last night the force’s decision to disparage distinguished former officers who gave years of service to the public was branded ‘absurd’.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: ‘Police Scotland effectively cancelling these illustrious figures from its past is just plain petty.

‘Many officers will be incredibly proud to follow in the footsteps of those who served Scotland through often-difficult and challenging times. 

It seems absurd of Police Scotland to circulate photos of former police chiefs to illustrate misogyny. Scotland’s police service should be proud of its rich history – and not judge it by today’s standards.’

Police Scotland recently appointed its first female Chief Constable, Jo Farrell.

Her predecessor Sir Iain Livingstone claimed the force is institutionally discriminatory. In the wake of this, the force created a Sex Equality & Tackling Misogyny Oversight Board, led by Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham and Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond.

The board has launched a consultation called Photovoice, which asks officers to send it pictures of examples of discrimination, stating: ‘Using this platform, we are inviting all colleagues from Police Scotland to submit photographs that highlight your everyday experiences of sexism and misogyny in the workplace (there is an example in the submission form for guidance).’

The example chosen is the collection of photos of previous Chief Constables in the north-east.

The portraits date back to the 19th Century, when former Army officers such as Major John Ross and Major Duncan Forbes Gordon were given the job of keeping the peace in raucous Aberdeenshire fishing communities.

Also included is Aberdeen’s inaugural Chief Constable William Anderson who, incidentally, hired its first female officer in 1928.

Another shows Alexander Morrison – the city’s final Chief Constable before Grampian Police was created in 1975 – who allotted equal duties to female officers and tried to curb domestic violence.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: ‘Sexism and misogyny are a societal problem so it does exist within Police Scotland and we have our part to play in putting a stop to it. 

But picking out photos of former chief constables is way off the mark. The past wasn’t perfect but we must use history and learn from it, not delete it.’

Police Scotland yesterday said no decision has yet been taken on what to do with the gallery.

Ms Bond called it ‘an example of someone’s opinion of what could be regarded as misogyny’.

She added: ‘Police Scotland is working towards creating an inclusive working environment that is free from misogyny and sexism. 

Listening to the views and experience of officers and staff is a crucial part of the process, and this feedback helps us to improve and embed change.’