MPS has ‘failed’ on sex and race issue says the MBPA

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has “failed” to include the issue of race and discrimination as a strategic priority, according to the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MBPA).

Speaking after an employment tribunal ruling last week, which concluded that the force “singled out and targeted” Carol Howard, a firearms officer from the force’s Diplomatic Protection Group between January 31 and October 2012, because of her race and gender, MBPA chair Janet Hills said the issue needs to be addressed urgently.

“I’m shocked that in 2014 the MPS is still not able to hold officers to account for their perverse decisions based on race and sex discrimination,” she said. “The figures also show that as a black or Asian officer you are more likely to face internal disciplinary [proceedings] regarding performance and alleged misconduct issues.

“Given that there has been a number of high-profile cases over the years, the MPS has failed to elevate race as a strategic priority. At a time when the MPS is still vigorously trying to recruit officers from the black and minority community, which the MBPA strongly supports, it continues to fail when addressing the internal culture of the organisation.”

Her comments came after a panel ruled in favour of Ms Howard, who brought a claim of discrimination at the central London Employment Tribunal earlier this year.

The panel heard that a detective sergeant, tasked with looking at Ms Howard’s initial fairness at work (FAW) complaint, was asked to delete references to discrimination and harassment relating to gender or race in a report. The complaint included accusations of harassment and victimisation on the grounds of gender and race.

The tribunal said the files were deleted “not because they were not supported by evidence in the report, but because the claimant had brought a complaint of race and sex discrimination in the tribunal”.

The panel ruled that Acting Inspector Dave Kelly, who was her manager at the time, treated Ms Howard “particularly badly and far worse than he treated any other officer”. One officer also raised concerns that Ms Howard was being targeted.

A number of Ms Howard’s complaints of victimisation were judged to have been “well founded”, with A/Insp Kelly’s actions described as “detrimental” to the 35-year-old.

Lawyers representing Ms Howard said she will seek compensation for injury to feelings and aggravated damages. The size of her claim is being assessed.

Kiran Daurka, from Slater and Gordon, representing Ms Howard, called for a public inquiry to examine how the force handles discrimination claims.

She said: “This judgment is a damning indictment on the Met. The conduct of the Metropolitan Police and some of its senior officers towards Carol Howard was deplorable over the past two years. My client was subjected to discriminatory treatment because she is black and because she is a woman.

“Fifteen years after the MPS was branded institutionally racist, they have failed in addressing discrimination which pervades the system. This case shows that there needs to be a complete rewrite of the MPS’ equality procedures and an independent investigation into existing measures purporting to deal with discrimination complaints. That’s the only way to protect officers facing similar discrimination in the future.”

Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF) chair John Tully said it was concerned that such issues were still prevalent in the MPS, “despite the many measures introduced to address the problem”.

An MPS spokesperson said: “We are disappointed at the tribunal’s finding in favour of PC Howard. We will review the findings, take legal advice and take forward any learning or actions as appropriate.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Ms Howard was suspended from duty in April this year in relation to a separate issue. The MPS and Sussex Police said she was arrested on suspicion of offences in 2013 and 2014, including assault and harassment.

In August 2013 she was arrested by Sussex Police on suspicion of assault, harassment and