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De Menezes cop promoted
19/02/2007 19:00 - (SA)
London - A senior officer involved in the
fatal shooting of a Brazilian mistaken for a suicide bomber on a
London underground train was promoted on Monday to a top
policing job - looking after the royal family's safety.
Cressida Dick was in charge of the operation that led to
Jean Charles de Menezes, 27, being shot seven times in the head
on a tube train at Stockwell station in south London in July
2005.
His family said they were "disgusted" by Dick's promotion.
The shooting came amid frenzy in London over the threat of
suicide bombers.
Two weeks earlier four British Islamists had blown
themselves up on three underground trains and a bus, killing 52
people. 'Unprecedented circumstances'
Detectives said the day before the shooting five
other suspects had attempted to carry out copy-cat attacks.
The metropolitan police authority (MPA), which oversees the
London force, said, despite "unprecedented circumstances", Dick
had been promoted to the rank of deputy assistant commissioner.
Her job, which begins on March 19, has responsibility for
the protection of the royal family and other senior individuals.
"Having considered these circumstances, we are satisfied
that our decision to confirm promotion is the right one to take
at this time," said Len Duvall, the MPA's chair.
"The MPA is keenly aware that the people of London must have
confidence in the police who work, in what are often difficult
circumstances, to protect them. Full confidence
"By confirming this promotion we are making it clear that
the officer retains our full confidence."
The provisional selection of Dick for promotion, announced
in September, was described as "just one more slap in the face"
by the family of de Menezes, who said they were "absolutely
disgusted and outraged" by the decision.
Last July it was reported by the BBC that the police
watchdog, the independent police complaints commission (IPCC),
had recommended that Dick face criminal action for her handling
of the operation.
However, prosecutors decided no police officers involved in
the incident should face action.
- Reuters
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