Detective Constable Rachel Fletcher, who served 23 years with Northumbria Police, has vowed to fight her dismissal, which she attributes to her views on transgender rights and women's rights. Fletcher was fired for gross misconduct, including an alleged remark describing transgender women as "c**ks in frocks" and another stating "all men are rapists."
Fletcher denies making the "cks in frocks" comment, although she acknowledges discussing strip search guidance introduced in 2021. She stated that the policy allowed biological males who identify as women to conduct strip searches on female prisoners, and vice-versa. Fletcher claims the conversation concerned the potential distress a new female recruit might experience strip-searching a prisoner who is biologically male. She stated that the term "ck" is sometimes used among colleagues in a professional context, given the often graphic nature of their work, particularly in child protection and family liaison roles. She asserts that officers become desensitized to vulgar language due to their exposure to victims' accounts and police investigations.
Regarding the "all men are rapists" comment, Fletcher clarified that she said, "all rapists are men," and described it as a joke about implementing a 9 p.m. curfew to prevent nighttime rapes, a sentiment understood as a joke by those present.
Fletcher believes her gender-critical views have been misrepresented by the police force. She maintains that transgender rights have been prioritized over women's rights. She is pursuing an unfair dismissal and discrimination case based on her beliefs.
Since her dismissal on July 31, Fletcher has reported receiving significant support from the public, former and current colleagues, and politicians. However, she has also taken measures to increase security at her home due to concerns about potential activist attacks. Her employment tribunal case is scheduled for November.
