New Claims of Racism

(Posted on 20/04/12)

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has a chance to put his money where his mouth is now that a new claim of racism has been lodged.

Edric Kennedy-Macfoy is the latest to come forward with claims of racism. This makes at least ten new allegations since the family of Kester David has come out and said they wanted their son and brother's case re-opened.

Kennedy-Macfoy is a black firefighter who attempted to help officers but was met with assault and abuse. He says he was shot with a stun gun. The incident is said to have occurred last September when Kennedy-Macfoy witnessed someone throw a rock at a police van. He quickly made a mental note of the description of the man who threw the rock and then flagged down the driver to let him know what he saw and to offer assistance. He was met with curse words and then physical assault that led to a "violent attack". He says the episode did not end until the officers shot him with a stun gun.

Incredibly, Kennedy-Macfoy found himself being tried in a court of law. He was found not guilty, though some witnesses seemed to do little more than justify their actions.

This case certainly lends to the growing disdain of law enforcement. The fact that Kennedy-Macfoy is a firefighter who's worked along side police for years only worsens the situation. He says he has friends on the police force.

In his complaint, Kennedy-Macfoy said, "He launched it at this police van window and I was actually scared for whoever was in the police van," he said. "I knew it was occupied because the reverse lights kept on coming on and off." The situation worsened from there and Kennedy-Macfoy says the entire episode was filmed on cell cameras, even as he was stunned with the weapon as he was walking backwards with his hands raised, per the police officer's instructions.

Evidence went missing and it wasn't until a few weeks ago that Kennedy-Macfoy came forward. His solicitor in the UK filed a complaint immediately following the incident, but had heard nothing more about it until these new accusations of racism began surfacing.

Scotland Yard has reiterated its commitment to eradicating racism within the department. You can read Edric Kennedy-Macfoy's statement on his Facebook page, found here.