Did Police Officers Just Win a Payout Over a Tallia Storm Photo?

Two male police officers from Police Scotland have been awarded nearly £50,000 in compensation after their firearms authorisation was revoked for posing with singer Tallia Storm. An employment tribunal found that the officers experienced direct discrimination based on their sex, deeming the force's reaction to the incident a "knee-jerk" response to media scrutiny.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Officers PC Steven Jones and PC Greg Tunnock received a total of £48,624 in damages.
• The employment tribunal ruled that their treatment was discriminatory and influenced by adverse media coverage.
• Police Scotland is reviewing the tribunal's judgement for potential improvements.
• The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding sexism and discrimination within the police force.
• Previous cases involving female officers at Police Scotland have raised questions about the culture within the organisation.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

In March 2024, PC Jones and PC Tunnock were on patrol in Edinburgh when they recognised Tallia Storm, a well-known singer. The officers approached her to request a photograph, believing it would demonstrate their positive engagement with the public—a practice encouraged by their superiors. However, shortly after the photograph surfaced on TikTok, the officers were summoned for a meeting, leading to their firearms authorisation being revoked and subsequent transfer from their unit.

Police Scotland's Response

The decision to remove their firearms was reportedly motivated by concerns that the incident could be perceived as sexist. Despite these fears, the tribunal found no evidence of any sexism or misogyny in the officers' actions. The employment tribunal's ruling highlighted that the reaction of Police Scotland was not only disproportionate but also directly discriminatory.

Key Findings of the Tribunal

During the tribunal, Employment Judge Amanda Jones stated that the actions taken against the officers amounted to direct discrimination based on their sex. She noted that the response by Police Scotland was influenced by media coverage rather than the reality of the situation. The judge also expressed significant doubts about the credibility of some evidence presented by Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, who has since retired.

Impact on the Officers

The tribunal revealed that both officers suffered mental health issues as a result of their treatment following the incident. PC Jones was awarded £24,800, while PC Tunnock received £23,824 in compensation. The ruling underscores the need for police forces to critically assess their handling of public engagements to avoid similar situations in the future.

Wider Implications for Police Scotland

This case is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern concerning gender discrimination within Police Scotland. In 2022, female officer Rhona Malone was awarded £1 million for alleged sexual discrimination, highlighting systemic issues within the organisation. Malone expressed her relief and gratitude for the officers challenging the status quo, indicating a shift in how such matters are perceived and addressed within the police force.

What Happens Next?

In light of the tribunal's findings, Police Scotland has indicated that it will carefully consider the judgement to identify areas for improvement. This could potentially lead to changes in policies regarding public engagement and how officers are treated following incidents that attract media attention. The police force's response will be closely monitored by both the public and advocacy groups, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about sexism within police culture.

Conclusion

The tribunal's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment within law enforcement agencies. As societal norms evolve, police forces must adapt to ensure that all officers are treated equally and with respect, irrespective of gender. This case raises significant questions about the culture within Police Scotland and the need for ongoing reform to address discrimination and promote a healthier work environment.

FAQs

Why were the officers' firearms authorisations revoked?

The firearms authorisations were revoked following a public backlash after the officers posed for a photograph with singer Tallia Storm, which was perceived as potentially sexist.

How much compensation did the officers receive?

PC Steven Jones was awarded £24,800, and PC Greg Tunnock received £23,824, totalling nearly £50,000 in compensation.

What did the employment tribunal find regarding Police Scotland's actions?

The tribunal found that Police Scotland directly discriminated against the officers based on their sex and deemed the withdrawal of their firearms authorisation a disproportionate response.

What implications does this case have for Police Scotland?

The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexism within the police force and may lead to changes in how the organisation handles public engagements and discrimination allegations.

Who is Rhona Malone and how is she related to this case?

Rhona Malone is a female police officer who received a £1 million payout for alleged sexual discrimination in 2022, illustrating systemic issues of sexism within Police Scotland.

As the implications of this ruling unfold, it raises critical questions about the future direction of Police Scotland and its commitment to equality. Will this lead to a deeper cultural shift within the organisation? #PoliceScotland #GenderEquality #EmploymentTribunal