“While HeForShe was initially launched generally by UN Women, a UK force contacted the movements leaders and asked to get involved, as police officers often find themselves dealing with gender issues across the spectrum,” said Bailiwick Law Enforcement. 

Representatives from Guernsey police also attended the event and there are plans to have Guernsey Police sign up to the movement. 

Poppy Murray was invited to the event, which saw 70 police officers meet and discuss initiatives that promote gender equality. 

“The public’s trust in the police has undoubtedly been strained following widespread news of officers who have abused their positions to commit sexually-motivated crimes against women. However, just as it’s not all men who are threats to women, not all police officers are abusing their power,” said Miss Murray.  

“While it is important for the public to see that most police officers are good people dedicated to serving and protecting their communities, it is equally important for the police to recognise why it is difficult for the public to trust them. I believe the best way to rebuild trust is not for the police to say that they are trustworthy, but instead to tell the public what options they have if they do not trust the police, which I included in my presentation.” 

Miss Murray launched the BE LADS campaign after the murder of Sarah Everard by a police officer in 2021. She spoke about her campaign at the event and it was well received by those who attended, including Deputy Chief Officer Ian Scholes. 

“The talk Poppy gave about her campaign was truly inspiring,” he said. “She rightly identified that as police officers, we are in positions of responsibility and have the power to enact change. We should be pushing for equality for all genders inside and outside of our organisations, and I am committed to seeing that happen.” 

He’ll now be working with HeForShe representatives “to explore signing Guernsey Police up as an ally organisation”. 

Ms Murray’s speech was seen as a highlight by the City of London Police Public and Personal Safety Trainer, Garry Shuttleworth. 

“[Poppy] put across her presentation around BE LADS to a large group of police officers perfectly. The fact you could see eyes watering from those in attendance showed what she was saying really hit home.  

“I would encourage and will [encourage] every man and boy to look her up and understand that it’s not all men but is all women. Hopefully Sasha McAulay and I will be able to push this message through to as many officers as we can at City of London Police.”