Essex Police Concludes Investigation into Allison Pearson’s Social Media Post

Essex Police has announced that it will not pursue further proceedings against journalist Allison Pearson following an inquiry into a social media post made by the Daily Telegraph columnist. While the investigation has been concluded, an independent assessment of the police force’s management of the situation will be conducted, according to a statement from the police. The police force had previously defended its conduct after Ms. Pearson stated she was left “dumbstruck” by officers visiting her residence on Remembrance Sunday. This visit, the force explained, was intended to schedule an interview as part of an investigation into alleged incitement to racial hatred, initiated by a complaint from a member of the public. In a statement, Essex Police confirmed that the force “has reviewed this case, having sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. They have advised that no charges should be brought. We have concluded therefore that there will be no further action.” The force indicated that Chief Constable BJ Harrington requested Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, who serves as the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Hate Crime Lead, “to conduct an independent review of the force’s handling of this matter and he has agreed”. Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, remarked that it was “important the public have confidence in their police service”. He further stated, “This investigation has caused significant distress for Ms Pearson and a large amount of public concern.” He added, “It has raised a number of important questions that need to be addressed so all of us can be confident the police are acting properly.” An Essex Police spokesperson affirmed that the force “investigate crimes reported to us without fear or favour”. The spokesperson continued, “We’re sometimes faced with allegations of crime where people have strong opposing views. That’s why we work so hard to remain impartial and to investigate allegations, regardless of where they might lead.” Ms. Pearson brought the police visit to public attention after writing an article asserting that the officers who came to her home informed her the matter concerned a “non-crime hate incident,” but did not specify which post was involved. The force stated that body camera footage of the event indicated that “at no stage” did its officers inform her that the report under investigation was being handled as a “non-crime hate incident.” A non-crime hate incident is defined as a situation where no criminal offense has occurred, yet the individual reporting it perceives the incident as being driven by hostility. The BBC has viewed the social media post, which has since been removed, that was the subject of the police complaint. This post, dated 16 November 2023, displays a photograph of two police officers alongside two men holding what appears to be a flag representing the Pakistani political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The post includes a tag for the Metropolitan Police and the phrase “how dare they.” It further states: “Invited to pose for a photo with lovely peaceful British Friends of Israel on Saturday police refused. Look at this lot smiling with the Jew haters.” The platform X appended a notice to the post, clarifying that the image was captured in Manchester, not London, and that it is “not related to Palestine.” Several political figures, such as shadow home secretary Chris Philp and former prime minister Boris Johnson, expressed their support for Ms. Pearson, thereby initiating a discussion concerning free speech. In response to this debate, Essex Police had previously affirmed its support for free speech, but clarified that “it does not support inaccuracy”. The force added, “If an alleged crime is reported, it is investigated. There is no public interest in falsehood.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.