Parents Arrested for School Criticism, Police Chief Questions Force's Actions
Two parents detained after disparaging comments about Cowley Hill Primary School in a WhatsApp group provoke scrutiny of police involvement.
Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, parents of a student at Cowley Hill Primary School in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, were arrested by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary following their criticisms of the school in a private WhatsApp group.
The couple alleges they were apprehended in front of their young daughter and subsequently detained for 11 hours before the police dropped the charges after a five-week inquiry.
The arrests, which were made on suspicion of harassment, malicious communications, and causing a nuisance on school property, have been met with significant criticism, including from Jonathan Ash-Edwards, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.
Ash-Edwards stated that the involvement of the police was unwarranted and indicated a fundamental breakdown in the relationship between the school and its parents.
He further commented that the handling of the situation called for better mediation services to address disputes without police intervention, emphasizing that community members should feel free to express their concerns without fear of law enforcement repercussions.
Hertfordshire Constabulary defended its actions, stating that the arrests were necessary to conduct a thorough investigation into the serious allegations of harassment and malicious communication.
A complaint lodged with the Professional Standards Department concluded that the police response was appropriate, despite the parents' claims of having followed proper communication channels and expressing no abusive or threatening language.
Both Allen, a radio producer, and Levine reported restrictions placed on their participation in school events, including being barred from attending their nine-year-old daughter Sascha's parents’ evening and Christmas play.
Their younger daughter Francesca, who is neurodivergent and registered disabled, also attends the school.
The couple assert they have not been on school premises since July, and allege the accusations made against them were never clarified.
Cowley Hill Primary School responded to media inquiries by stating that they sought police advice due to a high volume of direct correspondence from the parents, which had reportedly distressed staff and governance members.
The school expressed that while they welcome parental feedback, it must be presented in accordance with their established complaint procedures.
Hertfordshire Constabulary reiterated that the arrests stemmed from believable allegations, framing it as standard protocol in cases of this nature.
After further investigation, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against Allen and Levine.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between school administrations and parents, highlighting the complexities surrounding parental engagement in educational settings.
The couple alleges they were apprehended in front of their young daughter and subsequently detained for 11 hours before the police dropped the charges after a five-week inquiry.
The arrests, which were made on suspicion of harassment, malicious communications, and causing a nuisance on school property, have been met with significant criticism, including from Jonathan Ash-Edwards, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.
Ash-Edwards stated that the involvement of the police was unwarranted and indicated a fundamental breakdown in the relationship between the school and its parents.
He further commented that the handling of the situation called for better mediation services to address disputes without police intervention, emphasizing that community members should feel free to express their concerns without fear of law enforcement repercussions.
Hertfordshire Constabulary defended its actions, stating that the arrests were necessary to conduct a thorough investigation into the serious allegations of harassment and malicious communication.
A complaint lodged with the Professional Standards Department concluded that the police response was appropriate, despite the parents' claims of having followed proper communication channels and expressing no abusive or threatening language.
Both Allen, a radio producer, and Levine reported restrictions placed on their participation in school events, including being barred from attending their nine-year-old daughter Sascha's parents’ evening and Christmas play.
Their younger daughter Francesca, who is neurodivergent and registered disabled, also attends the school.
The couple assert they have not been on school premises since July, and allege the accusations made against them were never clarified.
Cowley Hill Primary School responded to media inquiries by stating that they sought police advice due to a high volume of direct correspondence from the parents, which had reportedly distressed staff and governance members.
The school expressed that while they welcome parental feedback, it must be presented in accordance with their established complaint procedures.
Hertfordshire Constabulary reiterated that the arrests stemmed from believable allegations, framing it as standard protocol in cases of this nature.
After further investigation, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against Allen and Levine.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between school administrations and parents, highlighting the complexities surrounding parental engagement in educational settings.
