Nottingham Attack Families Denounce Senior Officer’s Promotion to Chief Superintendent
Families of the victims of the June 2023 Nottingham attacks have expressed outrage following the promotion of a senior Nottinghamshire Police officer to Chief Superintendent.
The officer, previously a Chief Inspector during the initial response to the murders of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, received the promotion despite an independent review into the force’s actions remaining incomplete. This review, led by the College of Policing, is examining Nottinghamshire Police’s prior contact with Valdo Calocane, who admitted to the killings on diminished responsibility grounds.
Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby, criticised the timing, stating, “How on earth can this officer, who was in charge of the response… be promoted when there is an ongoing independent review?” She questioned the rationale, adding, “What message does that send?” Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, echoed these sentiments, expressing his “disbelief and anger” at the decision.
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell stated the promotion process was “rigorous and fair,” involving an application, a ‘people panel,’ and external advisors. She asserted the process was conducted “in line with national guidance and best practice.” The force confirmed that the officer in question had not been subject to any misconduct proceedings.
The College of Policing’s review, initiated following concerns raised by the victims’ families, is set to scrutinise the force’s procedures and handling of information prior to the attacks. The families contend that promoting officers before the review’s findings are public undermines accountability and transparency, creating a perception of impunity within the force.
