Poll reveals ethnic divide revealed in perceptions of 'two-tier policing'
White and ethnic minority Britons hold sharply different views on whether police treat different groups more harshly or leniently, according to new YouGov polling.
The survey found that many people believe policing differs between demographic groups, but there is little agreement over who benefits and who is disadvantaged.
White respondents were significantly more likely to believe the police are stricter towards white people than ethnic minorities, while ethnic minority respondents were more likely to say the opposite – that police are tougher on minority communities than on white people.
The findings highlight the extent to which perceptions of so-called “two-tier policing” differ according to respondents’ own backgrounds, despite the issue becoming increasingly prominent in political debate.
The poll also found contrasting views on how the police treat protesters and different religious groups, with no clear public consensus on whether particular groups receive preferential or harsher treatment.
The findings come amid continuing debate over police impartiality and public confidence in policing. Separate YouGov research published earlier this year found only 22 per cent of people believe the police are doing a good job of addressing racism within the service, while just 18 per cent think they are tackling sexism effectively.
The latest polling suggests that while concerns about unequal policing are widespread, there is deep disagreement over which communities are most affected.