Meeting the aspirations and expectations of Muslim police officers
A survey carried out by the National Association of Muslim Police (NAMP) and think tank Demos suggests Muslims remain under-represented in the police service. Half of the 51 UK forces responded to the NAMP questionnaire.
A survey carried out by the National Association of Muslim Police (NAMP) and think tank Demos suggests Muslims remain under-represented in the police service. Half of the 51 UK forces responded to the NAMP questionnaire.
The survey highlighted the lack of representation in the counter-terrorism units across the country where there are 27 Muslim counter-terrorism officers out of a total of 2,300, and few officers overall in high ranks. The National Association of Muslim Police said progress on diversity was painfully slow.
According to the statistics compiled by NAMP and Demos, 0.6 per cent of all police officers are Muslim. In contrast, the 2001 census found that approximately three per centof the UK population was Muslim.
In response to the Diversity in Modern Policing report released by NAMP, Steve Otter, chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and ACPO lead on race and diversity, welcomed the research, which enjoyed ACPOs support, especially the accurate data about the aspirations and expectations of Muslim police officers. These statistics will provide impetus to the police service to encourage them to further engage in taking the agenda forward.
ACPO acknowledged the response of so many police forces to the NAMP questionnaire, indicating their willingness to participate in meeting the challenges around the progression, retention and representation of Muslim police officers in specialist areas. ACPO recognised that it had a central role to play in ensuring that the enthusiasm and expertise of Muslim officers within the police service is put to the best use, without placing the responsibility for tackling extremism exclusively on their shoulders.
Chief Constable Otter said: It is important that we take an integrated approach to tackle all issues facing us on progression. The National Policing Improvement Agency is already engaged in sharing best practice.
A copy of the report Diversity in Modern Policing can be ordered at http://www.namp-uk.com/