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Undercover female police officers running to catch catcallers have shared their experiences, with one officer expressing how such behavior “makes me feel really sort of icky.” PC Abby Hayward, from Surrey Police, revealed that she was honked at twice during a 5km undercover run as part of the force’s Jog On campaign. This initiative involves female officers running in targeted locations, supported by uniformed officers nearby who intervene when individuals engage in catcalling or make sexually suggestive comments. PC Hayward emphasized the impact of such incidents, stating that when she is running alone, the lack of backup ruins her entire experience.
The campaign, which aims to combat harassment, also highlights the issue’s broader societal impact, with officers noting that they face similar challenges outside of work. Notably, a survey conducted by Surrey County Council revealed that 94% of female residents had experienced some form of harassment, yet nearly half had never reported such incidents. The BBC observed Surrey Police’s Jog On campaign in action, witnessing officers experiencing harassment within just 20 minutes. PC Hayward recounted an incident where she and her fellow runner were honked and laughed at by a lorry driver, only to be harassed again seconds later, emphasizing the distress it causes.
PC Hayward reflected on the frequency and impact of street-based harassment, underscoring the importance of initiatives like Jog On. While no arrests were made during the operation, drivers engaging in such behavior were stopped and educated about their actions. Surrey Police’s borough commander, Jon Vale, highlighted the campaign’s role in addressing public space violence against women and girls, drawing parallels with strategies employed to address predatory behavior in other settings like bars and clubs. He emphasized the need for greater public engagement and reporting of such incidents to better understand and combat this under-reported issue at both local and national levels
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