A police officer who was known for advocating for the prevention of violence against women has been fired for allegedly assaulting two women while off duty. Inspector Tola Munro, who was stationed in south Bristol and previously served as the president of the National Black Police Association, reportedly dragged one woman to the ground and punched her in the face before assaulting another female.
The incident took place in May last year during a conversation about Meghan Markle and race, where one of the women ended up with a bruised cheek. According to the panel that reviewed the case, Inspector Munro completely lost control of himself during the altercation. Despite denying the allegations and claiming self-defense, he was found guilty of gross misconduct and has been dismissed from his position, as well as being banned from policing.
During the three-day misconduct hearing, it was mentioned that the witness intentionally provoked Inspector Munro during a heated discussion about race. Despite his track record of safeguarding women and girls from violence, the officer’s actions led to his termination. His lawyer argued for his retention, highlighting his dedication to advancing the cause of Black and minority ethnic officers.
Although a criminal investigation was conducted by Gwent Police and the case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution. Throughout the investigations, Inspector Munro was suspended from his duties.
Superintendent Mark Edgington from Avon and Somerset Police’s professional standards department emphasized that there is no place in policing for an officer who assaults a member of the public, whether on or off duty. Inspector Munro’s failure to adhere to the expected standards led to his dismissal from the force.
Unfortunately, the victims of the assault cannot be identified due to legal reasons. This incident raises concerns about the behavior of those in positions of authority and the importance of upholding the values of integrity and respect, especially when addressing violence against women. It serves as a reminder that even those who advocate for important causes can fall short of the standards they promote, and accountability is essential in maintaining trust and credibility within law enforcement agencies.
