Police Officer's Blackface Photos On Instagram Sparks Investigation

The photos of a white police officer in London, Ontario, Canada, with her body painted black and dressed in a traditional African wear, has whipped up a controversy. Constable Katrina Aarts’ photos posted on Instagram sparked an investigation by the police department’s professional standards branch Thursday.

Aarts worked as a relief media officer in the Corporate Communications and Public Relations department of the London Police Service. She also worked for the London police Rookie League as a volunteer.

Amanda Beardshaw’s, believed to be a friend of Aarts, posted the pictures on her Instagram on Dec. 13 and tagged the officer. She first posted an image of Aarts in her uniform and later posted a photo showing Aarts dressed in an African tribal wear with her hair and body painted black.

Beardshaw told the London Free Press publication that these pictures were clicked long ago. She said, “It is not racist. Absolutely not. I think this is extremely unfair.”

However, later Beardshaw changed her Instagram account settings from public to private.

The city’s Mayor Matt Brown, who is also the member of the police board, Thursday received an email that included copies of the Instagram post. Brown immediately contacted Deputy Police Chief Stephen Williams, following which the department began an investigation.

“This is frustrating, concerning and disappointing. There is no place for racism in London. That is something that needs to be communicated loudly every single day,” Brown said in a statement.

He added, “I expect the London police service will deal with this very quickly. I think it is important to recognize this is in the hands of the London police service administration and there is a process that will unfold.”

As part of the investigation, Aarts will be interviewed along with any witnesses to the incident, if available.

Talking to the London Free Press, Williams said when it comes to social media, “context is obviously important before anybody jumps to any conclusions.”

He further said, “We take any complaint like this seriously. If there is any racist action or bias on the part of any officer, it is completely unacceptable and we will deal with that. We are not there yet.”

According to CBC News, Williams said, “We understand that many members of the community have expressed some concern and offence to this and it’s our responsibility to address that. We’re hoping for a swift investigation to gather the facts about the intent and the context surrounding these images.”

A black city councilor, Mo Salih dubbed the incident as “disappointing and hurtful” one. He said, “This is very hurtful and problematic. This stuff is not okay, racism or any other forms of insensitivity. That picture is problematic and many people would say that's not okay or unacceptable today or any day.”

Salih, who was recently appointed to the Police Services Board, told the London Free Press, “It is almost 2018. I think everybody knows these things aren’t OK. This isn’t a good look for London. I will be following this very, very closely as it unfolds.”