An Essex Police hate crime ambassador claimed she was ousted from her job after raising concerns about Black Lives Matter.
Michelle Harris, who completed her hate crime ambassador training in 2021 was forced to quit in 2023.
This came after she complained about BLM comments made at the National Association of Independent Advisory Groups conference.
During the annual 2022 conference, a speaker said: “Black lives matter because now is our time. Our opportunity.”
Essex Police “forced” Harris out of her job
PA
Harris brought attention to the comment and said: “All life has an equal value.”
She said due to this, the police force reversed their decision to clear her for work as an Essex Police ambassador.
After a suggested transfer to the Met Police didn’t happen, Harris stepped down.
Harris revealed her ordeal as the Essex Police is investigating journalist Allison Pearson for allegedly stirring up racial hatred through a tweet made a year ago.
Officers showed up at Pearson’s home on Remembrance Sunday to invite her for a voluntary interview, but they wouldn’t reveal any details of why she was being investigated or what for.
Michelle Harris stressed the importance of free speech and said it is important to look at all perspectives.
She also added that there should have been space for discussion at the conference: “There are clear rules as to what constitutes a hate crime.
“The conference was for hate crime ambassadors from all over the country.
“All sections of the community should have had time for discussion and understanding.”
Officers showed up at Pearson’s home on Remembrance Sunday to invite her for a voluntary interview
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To become a hate-crime ambassador, volunteers must complete a training session run by the Essex Police.
They must also take part in at least two hate crime/incident educational or awareness-raising activities annually.
The ambassadors are in charge of raising awareness of hate crimes and helping victims report them.