KRW Law is acting on behalf of Andy George – a senior serving PSNI chief inspector and head of the National Black Police Association (NBPA) – who was placed under investigation over a post on social media platform X.
“We have filed an application on his behalf to the Office of the Industrial Tribunal and Fair Employment Tribunal, alleging racial discrimination against the PSNI,” the legal firm said in a statement.
Details of the incident emerged in March when Mr George claimed the decision to place him under a misconduct investigation “sends a chilling message” and “stifles free speech”.
The post in question followed the case of firearms officer Martyn Blake, who was cleared of murder by a jury after shooting dead an unarmed man, Chris Kaba.
Following the acquittal, the Metropolitan Police promoted Mr Blake from sergeant to inspector despite the police watchdog believing he should face a hearing for alleged gross misconduct.
Mr George compared Mr Blake’s treatment with that of Black and Asian officers who he said are more likely to face disciplinary action than their white colleagues.
In November, he reposted a Daily Mail article about the promotion of Mr Blake whose career had stalled until his acquittal.
Mr George added: “Regardless of your feelings on the case, this will come as a slap in the face to the disproportionate number of Black officers under investigation for misconduct and being held back in their own careers! No doubt an impact on Black Londoners as well.”
Speaking today on the significance of the case, Mr George’s legal representative said the “draconian move” of the PSNI “sets the wrong tone for the promotion and protection of the interests and rights of the 6,000 strong NBPA membership”.
Senior KRW Law associate solicitor Barry O’Donnell said: “Andy George has been penalised for displaying tremendous leadership in protecting the rights and interests of minorities within wider policing in the UK.
“The PSNI misconduct action taken against him was unnecessarily punitive.
“We allege it breaches his rights to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the human rights [convention] among other violations.
“This draconian move sets the wrong tone for the promotion and protection of the interests and rights of the 6000 strong NBPA membership.
“We are very pleased to confirm the support of the Good Law Project who are partnered with ourselves in fighting this case.”
Andy George, president of the Black Police Association in the UK.
News Catch Up – Monday 19 May
Mr George joined the RUC in 1999 and spent his first eight years in a response team before moving to the Armed Response Unit for 10 years.
He attended his first NBPA meeting in July 2016 and was elected onto the cabinet as sponsorship co-coordinator in October 2017 before becoming male vice president in October 2019 and president in October 2020.
The PSNI has been contacted for comment.