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28/01/2004
Race equality action plan launched by chief police officers
An action plan aimed at helping police forces employ, retain and promote more minority ethnic officers to make the service "more representative of the communities it serves", has been launched today by the Home Office, ACPO and the APA.
The 'Breaking Through' plan, produced by the Lawrence Steering Group, offers a framework for all forces to examine performance and identify barriers to the promotion of equality.
The number of minority ethnic officers has increased by 53% from 2,545 to 3,915 between 1999 and 2003. The proportion of minority ethnic officers was 2.9% at March 2003 - the 2002 milestone target was 3%, the government said.
Speaking at the 'Dismantling Barriers' conference in London, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, said that a representative workforce, which had the trust and confidence of the communities it serves, was "vital" if the police were to tackle crime effectively.
She added: "The service has come a long way, but there is more to be done. Representation of both women and minority ethnic people in senior and middle ranks are a concern, and recent events have shown that racism remains a problem in some parts of the service.
"I expect members of the police service and police authorities to continue to focus on and deliver real actions that will increase the recruitment, retention and progression of women and minority ethnic staff. We are determined to ensure that those officers are able to climb the ranks with the same success as their colleagues. This action plan will help them achieve that."
Dr Ruth Henig, Chairman of the Association of Police Authorities, the initiative provided a "blueprint to move forward" in achieving the goals.
"We must seize this opportunity to transform the police service into a first class employer: one which can attract, keep and promote the brightest, most talented people from all our diverse communities. Because we need them if we are going to provide the quality of policing which all our communities rightly expect and deserve," she said.
The government has also recently re-launched its 'Could You?' campaign to target women and minority ethnic communities.
(gmcg)
The 'Breaking Through' plan, produced by the Lawrence Steering Group, offers a framework for all forces to examine performance and identify barriers to the promotion of equality.
The number of minority ethnic officers has increased by 53% from 2,545 to 3,915 between 1999 and 2003. The proportion of minority ethnic officers was 2.9% at March 2003 - the 2002 milestone target was 3%, the government said.
Speaking at the 'Dismantling Barriers' conference in London, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, said that a representative workforce, which had the trust and confidence of the communities it serves, was "vital" if the police were to tackle crime effectively.
She added: "The service has come a long way, but there is more to be done. Representation of both women and minority ethnic people in senior and middle ranks are a concern, and recent events have shown that racism remains a problem in some parts of the service.
"I expect members of the police service and police authorities to continue to focus on and deliver real actions that will increase the recruitment, retention and progression of women and minority ethnic staff. We are determined to ensure that those officers are able to climb the ranks with the same success as their colleagues. This action plan will help them achieve that."
Dr Ruth Henig, Chairman of the Association of Police Authorities, the initiative provided a "blueprint to move forward" in achieving the goals.
"We must seize this opportunity to transform the police service into a first class employer: one which can attract, keep and promote the brightest, most talented people from all our diverse communities. Because we need them if we are going to provide the quality of policing which all our communities rightly expect and deserve," she said.
The government has also recently re-launched its 'Could You?' campaign to target women and minority ethnic communities.
(gmcg)
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Policing Minister Vernon Coaker today published his Assessment of Minority Ethnic Recruitment, Retention and Progression in the Police Service.
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Policing Minister Vernon Coaker today published his Assessment of Minority Ethnic Recruitment, Retention and Progression in the Police Service.
14 May 2003
UK sends policing advisors to assist in Iraq
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16 May 2006
Survey reveals threat faced by police
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Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
23 September 2003
Overcoming racism is vital to policing: Blunkett
Overcoming racism and exclusion is "vital" to community policing, Home Secretary David Blunkett will today tell the National Black Police Association (NBPA). Speaking to the NBPA annual conference in Cardiff today, the Home Secretary will call on members to work with police forces to "keep up the momentum for change".
Overcoming racism is vital to policing: Blunkett
Overcoming racism and exclusion is "vital" to community policing, Home Secretary David Blunkett will today tell the National Black Police Association (NBPA). Speaking to the NBPA annual conference in Cardiff today, the Home Secretary will call on members to work with police forces to "keep up the momentum for change".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
