Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts said: “On Wednesday 8 June 2016, it was brought to the attention of senior officers that a poster had been circulated around the force advertising for ‘Super Recognisers’.
“This is an initiative to identify members of staff who have a high ability to recognise individuals that they have previously seen, often years later.
“This poster contained an image of the Hillsborough disaster in progress, a distressing image which was completely inappropriate for such use.
“The poster, which was only ever circulated internally within the force, was immediately recalled and the offending image was removed within 90 minutes of its initial circulation.
“The use of this image was not intended to offend but to demonstrate how ‘Super Recognisers’ can greatly assist on-going investigations.
“The ‘Super Recognisers’ technique has been successfully used in a number of complex national investigations, to identify potential witnesses as well as suspects
“We acted swiftly to remove the offending image and limit the distress caused, however, I recognise that the use of this image was obviously inappropriate and I am deeply sorry for the upset and offence that this has caused.”
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said:
“The use of this image was wholly inappropriate and should never have happened. Senior GMP officers have rightly acted quickly to remove this poster from circulation and have apologised. I have also asked GMP to make contact with the families of the Hillsborough victims to apologise to them directly for any further distress this has caused them.
“Hillsborough families have fought long and hard for justice, they don’t need this as a reminder.”
