West Midlands Police faces backlash over TikTok stunt escorting teenagers to school prom in a riot van wearing handcuffs and bags over their heads in ‘mock arrest’
- West Midlands Police took group of teenagers to a prom in one of the force vans
- The children were escorted out to the party wearing handcuffs and a spit hood
- It prompted accusations of money and police resources being wasted
A police force has been slammed after uniform-clad cops escorted handcuffed teenagers with bags on their heads to their prom in a riot van.
West Midlands Police was accused of wasting taxpayer money and officer time when three officers dropped off the gang of teens after their ride let them down.
But the force insisted the stunt was vital to help build trust with the community.
Video shows the youngsters being escorted out of the van in handcuffs with bags over their heads in mock-arrest.
Social media user Wayne Gray blasted: ‘How much did that cost the tax payer to take that van and the police officers as well when he could of just got a taxi?’
Rick Ross said: ‘This country has gone downhill.’
West Midlands Police took teenagers to a prom in one of the force’s vans, TikTok video showed
The children were handcuffed in the van and had spit hoods placed on their heads for stunt
Elaine Haddon added: ‘Glad they got time to waste.’
Jo Bushell said: ‘As cool as that was. can I just say what a waste of police resources that was.’
One – called Leesa – blasted: ‘No wonder there are no police around when you actually need them as they are busy dropping their kids off. Sorry not impressed, not funny.’
Another person asked: ‘Why could they not just get a lift in their parents’ car?’
The youngster’s mum, Dini – who posted the videos – said: ‘The negative, vile and racist comments I’ve had is shocking – be kind.’
But a spokesperson for West Midlands Police insisted the cops were off-duty.
The trip from the police sparked accusations of wasting money and resources from some
But the force defended the stunt and said everyone was off duty and the van was going spare
In a statement a spokesperson said: ‘An officer from our neighbourhood police team stepped in to help some local children who were due to go to their prom.
‘But their transport fell through and they were incredibly upset over it.
‘We actively engage with people in the area and local youths to help build trust, and officers often go out of their way to help others and make a positive impact where they can.
‘The officer was on patrol when he saw a local boy who he knew from his years working in the area.
‘The boy looked upset and after a chat it was established that he had been let down by the hire company for his prom transport.
‘Our officer responded he will go to the ball’.
‘He finished his shift, and then stayed on to help the boy and his friends.
‘The officer did this in his own time, it did not impact on any police resourcing and the police van was not in operational use at the time and could be spared.
‘The children were overjoyed with the gesture and their parents and members of the community also expressed their support.’
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