Black and minority ethnic (BME) police officers and staff feel hindered and victimised because of their race, according to research conducted for Panorama’s ‘The Secret Policeman Returns’.

BME officers shared their views that racism within the police force remains rife and the UK’s first black chief constable, Mike Fuller, said he felt the need to be overqualified in order to gain a promotion.

Findings of a freedom of information request were also revealed, and showed that BME officers were, on average, twice as likely to be investigated by their own force as their white counterparts.

Five of the forces responding to the information request issued by the BBC showed fewer investigations into BME officers than white officers: Suffolk, Humberside, Kent, Hampshire and Grampian.

A survey conducted for the programme with members of the Black Police Association (BPA) found that nearly two-thirds of respondents believed their career had been hindered by their race and more than seven in ten claimed to have experienced some level of racism at work.

One member pointed out the covert nature of racism within their police force saying: “It’s all very well hidden, no racist words – you’re just never good enough for promotion.”

Another said: “Racism is very much alive and well in the police service. Many white officers will not even acknowledge a black officer at times and you are made to feel that you are not welcome.”

In an interview for the programme, Kent Chief Constable Mike Fuller said that BME officers “often have to work twice as hard to be recognised and compete with their peers”. He also mentioned occasions when he had been told junior officers had attempted to “block” him from promotions.

“There have been a number of examples where people have tried to block my promotion or prevent me putting myself forward for promotion and I haven’t accepted that,” Mr Fuller said.

Mr Fuller has two undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate degrees. He said he felt the need to be overqualified in order to be promoted.

“I certainly do feel I’ve had to work harder than most… I’ve certainly had to ensure I’m qualified both in terms of academic qualifications but also in terms of experience as well.”

Also interviewed was Chief Constable Stephen Otter of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary who said that, while more does need to be done, things are getting better.

The Metropolitan Police has already spent £194 million on race and diversity projects and under the Positive Action policy introduced in 2005 forces have held positive action recruitment events working to increase the number of BME and other under-represented candidates, providing them with extra support in their application and enrolment.