Online abuse of female officers protecting women runners ‘unacceptable’

22 July 2026

West Mercia Police Federation chair Gareth Spreadbury has condemned the online abuse directed at two female officers taking part in an operation to tackle misogynistic behaviour.

He said the branch stands firmly with the Federation members and is offering its support.

The two officers have been taking part in the Force’s Jog On campaign, which targets harassing behaviour aimed at female runners, including catcalling and horn beeping. 

The female officers, in plain clothes, run in key locations. Any time they are subjected to harassment, they will call nearby dedicated support crews to deal with the perpetrators as appropriate. 

The campaign has been launched in response to evidence showing that many women alter their running routes, routines and behaviour because they fear harassment.

Operation Jog On targets harassing behaviour aimed at female runners

Credit: West Mercia Police

A University of Worcester Study found that more than two-thirds of female runners (68 per cent) said they had experienced some form of harassing behaviour. 

However, after the initiative received media attention, the officers have become the target of deeply offensive sexist abuse on social media.

Branch chair Gareth condemned the comments, saying they highlighted exactly why initiatives such as Jog On are needed.

The Federation will continue to support the officers and any member who is the target of abuse, he said.

Jog On campaign

Gareth said: “I am beyond appalled – not only as a police officer, but as a male and as a human being – by the some of comments that people have made.

“The female officers involved in the Jog On campaign are two dedicated professionals who volunteered to support an initiative aimed at making our communities safer for women.

“These comments disrespect not only those officers, but all women in all professions. They risk discouraging and derailing important conversations about the very real concerns many women face when exercising or going about their daily lives.

“For too long women have changed their behaviours to feel safe, but the real change needs to come from those whose behaviours have been highlighted by making these offensive comments.

Offensive comments

“While everyone is entitled to their views, and social media provides people with a platform to express those opinions, it should never be used as a tool for offensive comments or behaviour.

“Those who are and have been making such comments by trivialising this type of behaviour, are demonstrating why initiatives such as this are so badly needed.

“I stand firmly behind our female officers and West Mercia Police Federation stands firmly behind female officers, and we will continue to support them in any way necessary.”

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