Hertfordshire Police Error on WhatsApp Arrest Leads to £20k Payout

An incident involving unlawful arrest has resulted in Hertfordshire Police compensating a couple with £20,000. The couple, Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, were wrongfully detained after expressing concerns about their daughter’s primary school via a WhatsApp group.

Details of the Arrest

On 29 January, six police officers arrived at the Allen family’s home. The officers arrested Ms. Levine, shocking the couple and their three-year-old child. They were held for approximately 11 hours on suspicions of harassment and malicious communications, both of which the couple denied.

Background of the Case

Prior to the arrest, the couple had been vocal about their concerns regarding the recruitment process for a head teacher at Cowley Hill Primary School in Borehamwood. They criticized the school’s leadership on various platforms, including a WhatsApp group for parents.

School’s Response

• The school claimed it sought police intervention due to high volumes of direct emails and what it described as distressing social media posts.
• A police officer had previously warned the family in December to withdraw their daughter from the school, which they did in January.

Police Admission of Error

Two months after the arrest, Hertfordshire Police announced that no further action would be taken against the couple. They also admitted that “the legal test around necessity of arrest was not met” in this case.

Emotional Impact on the Family

Mr. Allen expressed relief over the police’s acknowledgment of their wrongful arrest. The couple emphasized that the recognition of liability was their primary concern. Ms. Levine described feeling betrayed by the police and said the incident profoundly affected her trust in law enforcement.

Community Reaction

Maxie Allen, also a Liberal Democrat councillor on Hertsmere Borough Council, stated that the arrest seemed excessive, particularly given their intent to raise legitimate educational concerns. Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, noted that there was a serious breakdown in communication between the school and the parents, which should not have escalated to police involvement.

This case highlights the potential for miscommunication and misunderstandings in community relations and the responsibilities of law enforcement in such situations.