London Police Chief John Pare file photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn NewsLondon Police Chief John Pare file photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News
London

Chief, Officer Apologize For Blackface Incident

A London police officer is apologizing for dressing in blackface as part of a Halloween costume 11 years ago.

The apology from Constable Katrina Aarts, a two year veteran of the London Police Service, was read at a Thursday news conference by Chief John Pare.

"11 years ago, I dressed up in tribal costume with coils around my neck for Halloween. In preparing for this costume, I painted my skin dark brown. At the time, I did not recognize the racial implications when choosing this costume. However, sitting here today, I am now forever remorseful for this decision," her statement read.

She went on to state she takes pride in her reputation as a constable and would be seeking out training on cultural sensitivity, racism, and bias stereotypes.

"I apologize greatly for any hardship that this has caused London Police Service, as well as any member of the public that has been emotionally affected or offended. I hope that you can accept this apology and permit me the opportunity to represent this organization in the most inclusive form in which I am capable," Aarts' statement ends.

The photos of Aarts in blackface were posted to her sister's Instagram account and sent to the mayor's office in late December. The pictures prompted the police department’s professional standards branch to launch an investigation last Thursday.

The investigation determined the photos were taken in 2006, a full decade before Aarts joined the police force.

Pare offered his own apology to Londoners, "particularly those in the Black community" for the photos he called "clearly offensive and inappropriate."

He said the internal investigation has been completed and Aarts remains on active duty in patrol operations.

"That does not mean it has not been taken very seriously by both the organization and Constable Aarts," said Pare. "As part of the service’s regular in-service training that had already been scheduled, all of our employees – sworn and civilian – will take training in cultural sensitivity and racial awareness with a focus on the Black community."

That training began on Tuesday, according to Pare.

While Pare condemned the officer's actions in 2006, he went on to explain she has been an "excellent police officer" and "highly engaged in the community" since joining the force. He believes Aarts' willingness to take responsibility and apologise for the incident demonstrates her current character.

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