Crime writer Louise Burfitt-Dons invited to join Discussions Matter panel to help restore trust in Metropolitan Police
London, UK - Louise Burfitt-Dons, the author of the popular Karen Andersen thriller series, has been invited to join Discussions Matter, a new police initiative aimed at restoring trust in the Metropolitan Police in the wake of recent controversies. The pilot project was prompted by the outcry from the public after the murder of Sarah Everard and the revelations of serious sex offences by former Met Police inspector David Carrick. The project seeks to find solutions and address the public's concerns.
A member of the Crime Writers Association, Burfitt-Dons' novels also explore contemporary social issues. Her novel, The Missing Activist which features a London-based private detective and her retired Met Police Officer boss, delves into themes of misogyny, honour killings, and other sexual crimes against women. Its sequel, The Killing of the Cherrywood MP, tackles the rise of the far-right, hate crime and the politically divisive subject of returning jihadi brides.
Burfitt-Dons has been a vocal advocate for women's issues for many years, particularly in promoting the concerns of women feeling vulnerable amidst the rise of toxic masculinity. In 2003, she founded the charity Act Against Bullying to raise awareness of the situations young victims found themselves in and has raised concerns about .the rise of cyberstalking which is mostly aimed at women.
"With Discussions Matter, I am hoping to raise the matters," said Burfitt-Dons. "While the majority of serving Met officers have integrity the existence of so many "toxic cops" within the system has placed women in a Kafkaesque situation.
She argues that the way to restore trust with women is three-fold: "Listen to honest feedback from the public, restore a culture of professionalism which means rooting out the bad apples, and improve training on growing crimes of the future against women, including cyberstalking."
Burfitt-Dons' inclusion in the panel reflects the desire of Discussions Matter to have a diverse range of voices and perspectives in finding solutions to the challenges facing the Metropolitan Police.