Parents Arrested After Disparaging Remarks about School in WhatsApp Group
Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine detained for 11 hours following a dispute with Cowley Hill Primary School in Borehamwood.
Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, parents of a nine-year-old girl, have described their arrest by Hertfordshire Constabulary as a significant incident stemming from concerns raised in a parents’ WhatsApp group about Cowley Hill Primary School in Borehamwood.
The couple alleged that they were detained for 11 hours after making comments deemed ‘disparaging’ by the school, which led to accusations of harassment, malicious communications, and causing a nuisance on school property.
The incident unfolded when officers arrived at their home on January 29. Allen, a producer for Times Radio, recounted the event, highlighting the presence of multiple police officers at their residence.
He expressed disbelief over the police response to what he termed a legitimate inquiry regarding their daughter's education.
Prior to the arrests, the couple had been banned from entering the school after the administration reported that their communications had disrupted the school community.
The school's representatives stated that they sought assistance from law enforcement following an increase in direct correspondence and social media posts from the parents that were affecting staff morale and the overall school environment.
Both parents stated they had not accessed the school's premises since July and felt the allegations against them were never fully explained.
Allen noted that they had actively followed the school’s complaints procedure and maintained that their communications were neither abusive nor threatening.
Following the investigation, which lasted five weeks, the police determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges, and the case was subsequently closed.
The police defended their actions, asserting that their investigation into the allegations was standard protocol.
In December, following a warning from an officer advising them to withdraw their daughter from the school, they complied, removing her just a week before the arrests.
This led to concerns regarding their daughter Sascha, who has epilepsy and is registered disabled, complicating the situation further.
Levine expressed distress during the police's arrival, recalling her initial panic about her children's safety amid the unexpected police presence.
The couple described their treatment as Kafkaesque, emphasizing a lack of communication from the authorities regarding the supposed criminal nature of their comments.
Cowley Hill Primary School has affirmed its commitment to addressing parent concerns while requesting that such communications adhere to established complaints procedures.
The school indicated that it may take action against those who engage in behavior affecting the harmony of the school community.
The case raises questions about the limits of parental communication in school settings and the appropriate role of law enforcement in resolving disputes involving education institutions.
The couple alleged that they were detained for 11 hours after making comments deemed ‘disparaging’ by the school, which led to accusations of harassment, malicious communications, and causing a nuisance on school property.
The incident unfolded when officers arrived at their home on January 29. Allen, a producer for Times Radio, recounted the event, highlighting the presence of multiple police officers at their residence.
He expressed disbelief over the police response to what he termed a legitimate inquiry regarding their daughter's education.
Prior to the arrests, the couple had been banned from entering the school after the administration reported that their communications had disrupted the school community.
The school's representatives stated that they sought assistance from law enforcement following an increase in direct correspondence and social media posts from the parents that were affecting staff morale and the overall school environment.
Both parents stated they had not accessed the school's premises since July and felt the allegations against them were never fully explained.
Allen noted that they had actively followed the school’s complaints procedure and maintained that their communications were neither abusive nor threatening.
Following the investigation, which lasted five weeks, the police determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges, and the case was subsequently closed.
The police defended their actions, asserting that their investigation into the allegations was standard protocol.
In December, following a warning from an officer advising them to withdraw their daughter from the school, they complied, removing her just a week before the arrests.
This led to concerns regarding their daughter Sascha, who has epilepsy and is registered disabled, complicating the situation further.
Levine expressed distress during the police's arrival, recalling her initial panic about her children's safety amid the unexpected police presence.
The couple described their treatment as Kafkaesque, emphasizing a lack of communication from the authorities regarding the supposed criminal nature of their comments.
Cowley Hill Primary School has affirmed its commitment to addressing parent concerns while requesting that such communications adhere to established complaints procedures.
The school indicated that it may take action against those who engage in behavior affecting the harmony of the school community.
The case raises questions about the limits of parental communication in school settings and the appropriate role of law enforcement in resolving disputes involving education institutions.
