Mother of Murdered Sisters Criticizes Met Police Inaction

Mina Smallman, the mother of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman who were murdered in a north London park in 2020, has stated that the Metropolitan police force is incapable of change and "decides who matters" when it comes to cases of violence against women. Smallman's daughters were killed in June 2020, and their bodies were discovered in Fryent Country Park. The case gained further public attention due to the subsequent misconduct of two Metropolitan police officers. In August 2021, Metropolitan police officers Deniz Jaffer and Jamie Rowley were jailed for 18 weeks after admitting to taking and sharing photographs of the deceased sisters' bodies. The officers had taken selfies at the crime scene and shared the images on WhatsApp, referring to the victims as "dead birds." This incident highlighted significant issues within the Metropolitan police regarding professionalism and respect for victims and their families. Smallman's ongoing criticism suggests a persistent lack of confidence in the force's ability to address and handle such sensitive cases with the necessary diligence and impartiality. The Metropolitan police, the largest police force in the United Kingdom, has faced numerous criticisms regarding its handling of various cases, particularly those involving violence against women and girls. Smallman's statement, made in the context of the Simon Levy case, implies a pattern of perceived indifference or inadequate response from the force, leading her to believe that the police prioritize certain cases or victims over others. This perspective underscores a broader societal concern about institutional accountability and the effectiveness of police reforms aimed at improving public trust and ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens. The sentiment expressed by Smallman reflects the deep-seated frustration and disillusionment that can arise when victims' families feel their cases are not being taken seriously or that the system is failing them. The Metropolitan police's historical challenges in addressing systemic issues, including institutional racism and sexism, have been well-documented, and Smallman's comments add another voice to the calls for fundamental change within the organization. The ongoing scrutiny of the Metropolitan police's practices and its commitment to serving all communities equitably remains a critical issue.