'I own this': London police chief apologizes for officers dead naming transgender activist and commits to update training

London police Chief Steve Williams says he understands the distress that can be caused to a transgender person when their ‘dead name’ (birth name) or incorrect gender is used during an interaction with his officers, and commits to make the necessary changes to internal databases and training.

London police Chief Steve Williams says he understands the distress that can be caused to a transgender person when their ‘dead name’ (birth name) or incorrect gender is used during an interaction with his officers, and commits to make the necessary changes to internal databases and training.

“My understanding is that it is humiliating, it is disrespectful, and it is hurtful,” says Williams.

“I’m really hesitant to blame an officers for something that we have not prepared him or her for. I own this as the chief, and our organization needs to shift and adapt to 2022,” Williams explains in his first interview with CTV News since transgender activist and online streamer Clara Sorrenti was referred to by the wrong gender and name last week.

The cycle of training repeats over the course of the year for all 900 members of the London Police Service.

“Every few years it is refreshed, but clearly there are some gaps and we can do better,” he says.

On Aug. 5, Sorrenti was a victim of what police are now investigating as a possible “swatting incident”.

Swatting involves someone making a false threat that will draw a large police response to an unsuspecting victim’s home.