Detective Constable Rachel Fletcher of Northumbria Police is accused of saying that “all men” were rapists and should be given a curfew to stop night-time sex attacks, a misconduct hearing has been told. The officer also allegedly made derogatory comments about transgender women, referring to them as “c*cks in frocks”.
Allegations and Admissions
Det Cons Fletcher, who worked in a safeguarding role, admits making the curfew comment but argues it was done in jest and did not amount to misconduct. She denies the other allegations against her, including the derogatory remarks about transgender women.
Opening the case, Olivia Checa-Dover, acting on behalf of the appropriate authority, said: “There is no doubt that violence against women and girls is a policing national priority and a matter of significant public concern. But a police officer saying that all men should be on a curfew damages trust and confidence. If a male police officer made a blanket statement about women he would be held to account.”
Colleague Testimony
PC Kevin Thompson, who worked with Det Cons Fletcher, told the hearing that her views and remarks about men made him feel “uncomfortable”. He said: “If it was a male officer doing that or saying these things about women they would be dealt with.” PC Thompson described Det Cons Fletcher as an “outspoken feminist” and noted she would regularly say she hated men, sometimes a few times a week.
Det Sgt Damon Hall testified that he witnessed Det Cons Fletcher make the curfew comment while they were working at Gateshead Police Station. She said: “The only way to stop night time rapes is to put a 9pm curfew on all men.” Det Sgt Hall found the comment offensive, stating: “It was offensive to me as a male as it presumes that everyone is capable of rape.” However, he acknowledged her dry sense of humour and said there was “a certain amount of tongue in cheek” in her remark.
Transgender Comments
Det Cons Barbara Callaghan described how Det Cons Fletcher made derogatory comments about trans people during a conversation about new search guidance in January 2024. Det Cons Fletcher became upset at the suggestion that female police officers would have to search transgender women. In her statement, Det Cons Callaghan said: “Although Rachel had a right to her views sometimes she would go to far. She said she would refuse to search transgender women as they are c*cks in frocks.”
Det Cons Callaghan explained that the “whole department” was aware of Det Cons Fletcher's comments about men.
Investigation and Ongoing Hearing
Det Cons Christopher Halliday, who led the investigation into the allegations, explained that the probe was only concerned with comments and behaviour that fell outside freedom of speech. The hearing, held at Houghton Police Station, continues.
