New report outlines need for systemic change to embed anti-racism in policing

Delivered by the Institute for Educational and Social Equity, and funded by the Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIPR), the report outlines key measures necessary to build a fairer, more inclusive policing system.

These include comprehensive anti-racism training, strengthened community partnerships and a leadership commitment to integrate anti-racist principles.

The research was commissioned by Police Scotland and the Scottish Policing Authority via SIPR as part of efforts to understand current evidence in relation to being an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory policing system.

The report, Implementing Anti-Racism in Policing, followed an extensive and systematic review of literature about embedding anti-racist practice within policing and public services.

Professor Liz Aston, director of SIPR, stressed the need for evidence-driven approaches to underpin long-term transformation: “I am delighted that SIPR has been in a position to support policing partners’ efforts to address institutional discrimination through this report which draws together important learning on approaches to implementing anti-racism in policing.”

The report outlines several key considerations to embedding anti-racism within policing, including:

Comprehensive anti-racism training: A robust and mandatory programme designed for all police personnel to address racial bias and discrimination.

Strengthened community partnerships: Ensuring that marginalised communities play an active role in shaping policing policies and practices.

Transparent accountability measures: Clear mechanisms to monitor progress, address disparities, and foster trust between the police and the public.

Leadership commitment: A strategic, top-down approach to ensuring anti-racist principles are integrated across all levels of policing.

As co-authors of the report, Dr Myrtle Emmanuel and Kenisha Linton urge the policing system to work towards implementing the report’s key considerations and stressed that: “Building trust and legitimacy in policing demands genuine, sustained collaboration between police and the communities they serve.

“Our review shows that anti-racism cannot be effectively implemented without a values-based, trauma-informed approach – one that centres lived experiences, ensures accountability, and embeds anti-racism into everyday structures and practices.

“True and lasting change will only happen when communities are not just consulted, but empowered as active partners in shaping and evaluating the policies and interventions that affect them.

“Trust and legitimacy are not optional– they are essential to transforming policing cultures and achieving equitable, community-led policing.”

Police Scotland’s Policing Together programme and implementation plan is driving work to become an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory organisation which fully reflects and represents the communities it serves.