Amazon decision ‘a kick in the teeth’ says Fed chair

John Apter PFEW Chair

National Federation chair John Apter has questioned the moral judgement of Amazon after the online retailer rejected his calls for a range of merchandise bearing a ‘Blue Lives Murder’ logo to be withdrawn from sale.

John wrote to Amazon’s UK-based managing director Doug Gurr last week asking the company to stop selling the merchandise.

But following a meeting with the Federation chair this week, the company said the merchandise does not contravene its policies.

“I believe most members of the public will agree with me that this calls into account the moral judgement of Amazon. I really can’t contain my anger and disgust that Amazon failed to act and refuse to remove the ‘Blue Lives Murder’ merchandise from sale,” said John afterwards.

“I met with senior directors from Amazon UK and they did not consider that the sale of these disgraceful items contravenes their policy on offensive and controversial materials.

“I think this is a bad decision and a wrong decision and smacks of poor judgement. I believe that this is a decision police officers and the public will find hard to understand and stomach.

“Given recent attacks on my colleagues, this was an opportunity for Amazon to hear the voices of those officers, their families and others who have objected to the sale of these items and to show support for policing during this difficult and dangerous time. With policing under so much pressure and being unfairly vilified by some, this is a kick in the teeth.

“I hope Amazon will urgently reconsider its decision and put right the wrong many of us feel.”

Dyfed Powys Police Federation secretary Roger Webb has supported the national Federation chair’s stance saying the merchandise, which suggests police brutality, was ‘divisive, inflammatory and deeply offensive’.

“I am shocked and appalled by this merchandise,” said Roger. “It clearly seeks to drive a wedge between officers and the communities they serve. Our members work tirelessly to build those relationships and we won’t let something like this stop us.

“But we would urge Amazon to help bring communities together by taking down these divisive, inflammatory and deeply offensive items.”