NBPA President Andy George Alleges Systematic Campaign to Silence Him
Since 2023, Andy George, the president of the National Black Police Association (NBPA), has been subjected to five separate misconduct investigations by his local force, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). These probes followed complaints about his public interventions in the media and on social media platform X. George, who represents 6,000 members, believes this represents a concerted effort to marginalise his voice and the views of those he champions.
'An Attempt to Get Rid of Me'
"I tell you now, there is an attempt by some of the longer serving chief constables to get rid of me," states Ch Insp Andy George. "I can guarantee I know exactly what they think of me: that I'm a wee upstart, so I am, that doesn't know my place," he adds with a knowing smile. The eldest son of a Protestant mother from Armagh and a father born in Malaysia who served in the British army, George is the longest-serving president in the NBPA's history, first elected in July 2020.
From Personal Tragedy to Police Advocacy
George's journey into advocacy was profoundly shaped by personal tragedy. The death of his sister, Vikki, who took her own life at age 23, compelled him to dedicate time to the NBPA. "The racism side was a big part of it," he reveals. "She ended up calling herself the N-word and the P-word – it just ended up shattering herself as a person." He discovered her body in the home he had helped her find. This devastating experience fuelled his commitment to supporting black officers and improving policing for minority ethnic communities.
A Changing Political Landscape
Initially, George hoped to contribute to meaningful changes in British policing following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent global awareness of racial inequities. However, he claims the environment shifted markedly from 2022 onwards. "The political environment had changed," he observes, referencing then Home Secretary Suella Braverman's rhetoric about the "Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati." When Sir Mark Rowley became Metropolitan Police Commissioner in September 2022, prohibiting officers from taking the knee—an act previously embraced by some—George requested an early meeting. He claims this request was declined, and the two have met only twice in over three years.
Misconduct Investigations and Social Media Scrutiny
The five misconduct investigations launched by the PSNI since 2023 have centred on George's public comments. Of these:
- Two were found to have no case to answer after meeting the threshold for investigation.
- Two resulted in "managed action"—informal discussions about communication style.
- The fifth, initiated in December, concerns posts on X reacting to a BBC Panorama investigation into racism at Charing Cross police station.
In those posts, George criticised Commissioner Rowley, writing: "How many platitudes and excuses can we hear from the commissioner? @Metpolice commissioner has empowered toxic culture and it is laughable for him to suggest it is racists and misogynists who want him out." The charge alleges his comments could undermine public confidence in policing, but George counters that he is merely "holding truth to power."
Allegations of Coordinated Pressure
George has initiated a fair employment case against the PSNI, alleging racial discrimination. Key evidence includes Chief Constable Jon Boutcher's directive last year for George to end his secondment to the NBPA and return to core duties due to "organisational requirements." Despite being re-elected with 75% of the membership vote, George now conducts NBPA work in his free time. His claim cites an October 2024 meeting where Boutcher allegedly "confirmed that the [Met police service] regularly contacted the PSNI about putting pressure on me and the NBPA." George asserts: "It is apparent the [Met] and PSNI are working together to silence me and the NBPA, undermine my personal and professional reputation and limit my career progression."
Force Responses and Denials
Both the Met and PSNI firmly deny these allegations. A PSNI spokesperson stated that Boutcher supported a two-year extension of George's secondment until October 2025 and had "no personal involvement" in the misconduct investigations. "The Metropolitan police has not influenced the chief constable in any of his decision-making regarding Ch Insp George," she emphasised. The Met spokesperson highlighted their focus on working with the Metropolitan Black Police Association branch, noting: "Senior leaders do seek regular meetings with Mr George and others at the NBPA."
Reflecting on his situation, George admits: "I do love being a police officer... But I can't really stand wholeheartedly and say I am invested in where things are." As his legal action proceeds, this case raises significant questions about accountability, representation, and freedom of expression within UK policing structures.
