LONDON, Ont. — A police officer in London, Ont., is apologizing for wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume and will undergo cultural sensitivity training.
Const. Katrina Aarts's apology comes after an internal investigation was launched by the London Police Service into pictures taken in 2006 that were posted on her sister's Instagram account.
In a public letter of apology, Aarts says that when she wore blackface, she didn't understand its racial implications.
Police Chief John Pare reads apology from officer who was photographed in “blackface”
Posted by The London Free Press on Thursday, 4 January 2018
She explains in the letter that she painted her skin dark brown and wore coils around her neck in a "tribal costume."
She says she is now "forever remorseful" for her decision.
Police Chief John Pare says all employees of the police service — including Aarts — are undergoing cultural sensitivity and racial awareness training, which began Tuesday.
"Racism is not acceptable in any circumstance. Dre ssing in blackface is not acceptable. It is a demeaning and racist action," Pare said in a written statement.
"While I will condemn this act, in the nearly two years she has been with London police, Const. Aarts has shown herself to be an excellent police officer and highly engaged in the community," Pare said.
