New anti-racism commitment for policing published

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson is among several senior leaders to renew their commitment to tackling racial disparities in policing and the wider criminal justice system in a plan update report published today (Wednesday).

At the heart of the update is a new anti-racism commitment for policing.

The commitment aims to set out the goals of an anti-racist police service, describes anti-racism in a policing context, and the action required to achieve it.

Views from policing, partners in the criminal justice system, civil society groups and communities have shaped the commitment, as well as other published statements of anti-racism.

The update also outlines proposals for a new maturity matrix being developed by the plan, a set of performance standards to help assess delivery of the plan and efforts to address racial disparities.

The maturity matrix is a cornerstone of the vision for long-term scrutiny and accountability for the plan’s delivery, further details of which are included in the update.

The document contains contributions from 12 different organisations outlining their views on the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) and its progress, as well as wider efforts to tackle discrimination and address racial disparities.

This includes contributions from the policing minister, senior police officers, agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service as well as representatives from civil society groups and the National Black Police Association.

The PRAP has also published an update on its progress in delivering actions in the original plan, as well as bringing together examples of work being delivered in local forces in support of the PRAP’s objectives.

T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari, programme director for the plan, said: “This update marks another milestone in our efforts to embed our ambition of delivering an anti-racist police service into the DNA of policing.

“The reason I joined the plan was to shape its future and lead the changes we need to deliver. It remains the case that people from black communities have the lowest levels of confidence in the police, are underrepresented in our workforce and are more likely to experience police powers such as stop and search or use of force.

“Black communities need to see and, crucially, feel change in policing. While we have a long way to go, this update outlines the work that is happening to deliver significant cultural change and improvements for the longer term.

“Explaining or reforming race disparities and addressing mistrust with Black communities will mean we are more effective at fighting crime and protecting all communities.”

The update is the second major report published by the plan in nine months, following publication of its first ever progress report in August.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, chief executive officer of the College of Policing, said: “This is an important benchmark for police forces to show they are serious about becoming fairer, stronger, and, crucially, better equipped to tackle crime and keep their communities safe.

“We are committed to supporting police forces to stamp out racism wherever they see it so that the public are served by a modern and effective service.

“Cutting crime is a priority and one of the ways policing does this is by increasing trust with all communities which can lead to better cooperation with police appeals, more effective crime reporting, and a greater sense of safety among the public.”

Association of Police and Crime Commissioner joint leads on race disparity, equality and human rights, Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe and police and crime commissioner (PCC) John Campion said: “The Police Race Action Plan sets out commitments for policing to improve outcomes for Black communities who work in or interact with policing.

“Delivering an anti-racist police service through addressing the specific disparities that black communities face is critical to building trust and confidence amongst all our communities, solving crime, and improving public safety.

“In line with this and on behalf of the communities that we represent, PCCs and deputy mayors will hold chief constables to account to meet their legal duties under the Equality Act, so we can deliver fair and effective policing for all.”