National Police Race Action Plan launched

West Mercia Police welcomes national Police Race Action Plan, launched by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing.

The Race Action Plan aims to create a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by Black people.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones, said: “We welcome the national Police Race Action Plan and are committed to ensuring West Mercia Police is a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by Black people.

“We know that nationally there are lower levels of trust and confidence within Black communities and this is no different within our Black communities across our own force; events of the past have led to mistrust and while we have gradually worked to build our relationship with our Black communities we recognise this is incredibly fragile and there is still more work we need to do.

“Chief Constables across the country have decided they should initiate and own the Race Action Plan. Within West Mercia it will form a key part of our new Inclusion Governance Framework, which led by the Chief Constable, will direct activity and monitor progress in ensuring the force is playing its part to deliver the national plan at a local level.

“It is important our officers understand our Black communities and can police them effectively, understanding our local communities through effective neighbourhood policing and delivering our local policing community charter will help us build this understanding. However, we know we need to do more to increase the number of positive interactions with some members of our Black communities, particularly young Black men, both from an operational perspective but also increased engagement with schools and community groups; supporting events such as Black History Month, International Women’s Day and events in relation to the Windrush Movement all help encourage discussion and understanding. However, we are only at the start of our journey and acknowledge there is much more to do to build trusting, long lasting relationships.

“We want Black people to have their voices heard; increasing the involvement of Black communities in our work, increasing the representative of Black officers and staff within our workforce and improving the support we provide to Black victims of crime is crucial.

“The Police Race Action plan focuses on improving policing for Black people, however, we know disparities also exist in our relationships with other ethnic minorities and believe the delivery of this plan will build upon our on-going efforts to ensure that policing is inclusive and fair to all.”

Chair of the West Mercia B-Me Network, Superintendent Rik Klair, said: “We welcome any initiative that helps to make our service more equitable and look forward to supporting the force to deliver the change needed.”

 

ISSUED: EH, Corporate Communications.