The College of Policing has developed a new Police Race Action Plan with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to address the significantly lower levels of trust and confidence among some Black people and the race disparities affecting Black people that policing cannot currently fully explain.
This will be achieved by introducing mandatory training for all police officers and staff about racism, anti-racism, Black history and its connection to policing; adopting a new explain or reform approach to race disparities and developing a new approach to tackle those issue in the use of police powers – such as traffic stops, stop and search
The plan also includes the use of Taser and other types of force – supported by strengthened governance through effective supervision, community scrutiny of police data and body-worn video reviewing misconduct and disciplinary processes to reduce racial disparities; better enabling Black people to have their voices heard, by asking for input from local communities and Black police officers and staff
It addresses the criminal exploitation of vulnerable young Black men; ensuring a good police response to missing persons from Black communities; and introduces a national standard across all recruitment and promotion processes.
The plan was developed jointly by the College of Policing and the NPCC, working in collaboration with Black communities and partners – including the National Black Policing Association (NBPA). It has the commitment of all 43 chief constables in England and Wales.
College of Policing CEO, Chief Constable Andy Marsh QPM said,
“There is a moral and operational imperative to undertake this work. Racism or
discrimination of any kind is deplorable, completely unacceptable and should have no
place in society and no place in policing.
This work is central to our crime-fighting mission. The British principle of policing by
consent is built on trust and confidence of the public in the police. With that trust comes
cooperation, dialogue and crucial sharing of information that is essential for us to tackle
crime. That trust is far too low among Black people, and we are less effective because of
it. That is no longer sustainable.
“Building trust with Black people will mean better policing for all.
Being anti-racist means it isn’t enough for an individual or organisation to not be racist. It
means a commitment to taking action to challenge racial bias and prejudice where it is
seen in practice, people, and policies.”
The College of Policing is encouraging anyone with expertise or an interest in the plan to share their views and shape the final plan and complete the Police Race Action Plan survey. The survey closes on 28 August 2022.
