Every now and again, something hits the news that I feel I have to comment on. The end of July was one of those times, when a video of a woman in London was circulating everywhere I looked on social media. No doubt you will have seen it – a Black woman who had just got off the bus in London with her young son, surrounded by police and being put into handcuffs while a police officer crouched down next to her crying child. The police thought she had evaded her £1.75 bus fare (which we later found out she hadn’t. Even if she had, the whole thing threw up a lot of questions – why did they assume she hadn’t paid? Why did they use handcuffs? What trauma was this causing her son? Would it have happened to a white woman?)
In a society that aspires to equality and justice, the presence of racism is something we don’t like to admit, but its impossible to deny its existence. For many years, the Metropolitan Police, like other law enforcement agencies, has faced scrutiny over allegations of racial discrimination and bias. Policing is one of the most alarming areas of systemic racism affecting society today. In today’s blog, I shed some light on its reasons and consequences.
Racial Profiling and Policing
Racial profiling takes place when individuals are targeted solely because of their race or ethnicity, without any evidence of criminal behavior. It’s a product of racist stereotypes and unconscious bias. It results in the perpetuation of these harmful stereotypes (Black = criminal. Black = scary. Black = dangerous.) and it continues to make trusting the police very difficult.
According to a study conducted by the StopWatch organization in the UK, ethnic minority individuals are more likely to be stopped and searched by the police than their white counterparts. In 2019-2020, the Metropolitan Police carried out 128 stop and searches per 1,000 ethnic minority individuals compared to 21 per 1,000 white individuals. (The Guardian)
Disproportionate Use of Force
Racism within the police force has been associated with a disproportionate use of force against ethnic minority groups. Numerous incidents have been reported where people of colour have faced harsher treatment during routine encounters or arrests. This pattern has meant that the public does not believe that the police treat everyone equally.
Disproportionate use of force escalates tensions and often result in emotional trauma, unnecessary injuries or tragically, fatalities. These incidents have triggered outrage and protests across the globe, further deepening the divide between the police and the communities they serve.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed that between March 2018 and March 2019, Black people in England and Wales were over nine times more likely to have force used against them by the police compared to white individuals. (The Guardian) A report by The Guardian in 2015 also found that in London, Black people were three times more likely to be tasered by the police than white people.
Impact on Officers
The effects of racism within the Metropolitan Police extend beyond its impact on the community; it also affects the police officers themselves. Racist beliefs and practices, whether implicit or explicit, can create a toxic work environment, bringing hostile environments and preventing teamwork and best practice. Officers who speak against discriminatory practices may face resistance or backlash, meaning fewer people feel able to stand up for what’s right.
Racism can also take a toll on the mental health of officers, particularly those from minority backgrounds. They may experience internal conflicts of being part of an organisation that jars with their personal identity and values and of course they can be traumatised by the racism they experience or witness.
A survey conducted by the Metropolitan Black Police Association in 2018 found that 53% of ethnic minority police officers within the Metropolitan Police had experienced discrimination at work. The same survey revealed that 61% of ethnic minority officers did not believe that the Metropolitan Police was effectively tackling racism within the force. (The Guardian)
Lack of Accountability
There’s a perception that the police force do not take accountability for discriminatory behavior. Allegations of racism are not always thoroughly investigated, and when incidents do come to light, there may be a perception that the consequences for those involved are insufficient.
In 2020, the UK’s police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), stated that investigations into complaints against the Metropolitan Police took on average 97 working days, significantly longer than the 66-day target.
Steps Towards Change
It’s a big and difficult problem, one that’s not easy to solve, but some steps to driving change could include:
a) Comprehensive Training: Implementing extensive training programs that address unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and racial profiling can help officers become more aware of their biases and better equipped to serve diverse communities.
b) Strengthening Oversight: Independent oversight bodies should be established to investigate allegations of racism and ensure accountability and transparency within the police force.
c) Community Engagement: Foster stronger ties between law enforcement and the community through outreach programs, community policing initiatives, and open dialogue forums.
Racism within the police force has far-reaching consequences that impact both the community and the officers themselves. Addressing it requires a collective effort the police themselves, community members, and policymakers. By acknowledging the problem honestly and taking proactive steps towards change, we can move towards a more inclusive, compassionate, and effective law enforcement system. When it will happen, I really don’t know. But the more we talk about it, the more we’ll understand it, and the closer we’ll get to driving change.
If you’d like to report anything you see, or find out more, here are some resources and contact details:
- Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC): The IOPC is an independent organization that investigates complaints and allegations of misconduct against the police in England and Wales. Their website provides reports, statistics, and updates on investigations, offering valuable insights into the handling of complaints and incidents involving the Metropolitan Police. Visit their website: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/
- StopWatch: StopWatch is an organization that campaigns against the excessive use of stop and search powers and other forms of racial profiling by the police. They conduct research, advocate for policy changes, and raise awareness about racial discrimination in policing. Learn more about their work: https://www.stop-watch.org/
- Metropolitan Black Police Association (MetBPA): The MetBPA is an organization that represents the interests of ethnic minority officers within the Metropolitan Police. They work to promote equality, diversity, and fair treatment within the force. Visit their website: https://www.metbpa.org.uk/
- Community Outreach Programs: Many community organisations and local initiatives work to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community they serve. Supporting or participating in these outreach programs can help foster understanding, trust, and collaboration between the police and the public.
- Engage with Local Government and Policymakers: Engaging with local government officials and policymakers can help advocate for policy changes and reforms that address racial bias and discrimination within law enforcement. Attend community meetings, write letters, or sign petitions to express your concerns and support efforts for change.
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