« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Pride and Prejudice: A Review of police Race Relations in Scotland
Preface
1. During 2000, HMIC carried out a thematic inspection of police race relations in Scotland, the report of which was entitled Without Prejudice?. 2 The review contained herein is not simply a check list of actions since that time. Pride and Prejudice - a review of police race relations in Scotland offers a strategic assessment of progress and identifies areas for future development. Where there is significant cross reference to Without Prejudice?, this is acknowledged.
2. As the 21st century begins, a major challenge for the police service in Scotland is to deliver positive police race relations. That responsibility is laid out in authoritative documents including the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report 3 and is now included in statute. Scrutiny of police performance in this area is robust and detailed, carried out by government, communities, and the media. It carries such a deserved degree of weight because it is about how a powerful and visible service treats a section of society which historically has not been able to depend on equal opportunity and where discrimination and racism have been apparent.
3. The history of police race relations in the United Kingdom is generally one of lack of confidence, which in England has occasionally been punctuated by episodes of serious public disorder. While Scotland has not experienced the equivalent of such troubles, there is scope for continued development of positive race relations to sustain community cohesion. Full advantage must be taken of local conditions to create a Scotland with true equality of opportunity. Particular account must be taken of young people in future race relations strategy.
4. The police service has a part to play as a service provider, an employer, and as a partner. Each of these roles deserves attention with progress in one area complementing the others.
5. The international context of race relations must also be considered, its implications realised, and challenges addressed. Forces need to ensure they are responsive to local issues created by international events such as the terrorist attacks in America on September 11 2001, the ever changing asylum seeker issue, or global hostilities.
6. It is a mistake to think that racism is not an issue in Scotland, or if it is then it is only relevant to our cities. The minority ethnic population is rising through natural growth and immigration, as borne out by the national census in 2001 which shows an increase of 1.2% to 2% of the total population. Significant numbers are choosing a rural life, often attracted by employment opportunities. It is crucial that practices are in place to ensure a confidence in, and access to, policing services throughout Scotland. Isolation on top of discrimination is a double jeopardy that must be avoided.
7. Forces must also work with their minority ethnic population to tackle criminality when it arises within that community. The demand for such police activity is considerable with a public determination for the law to be enforced and offenders brought to justice. Inactivity through a lack of confidence or criminal and community intelligence are matters that should be addressed, as inaction can often be perceived as racism and malpractice.
8. A key issue is consultation and Forces must continue to build on the progress they have made, most notably through advisory groups. While such groups can contribute substantially, they cannot offer the breadth or depth of dialogue required for full and comprehensive consultation. Forces must work to engage with groups such as young people, older persons and women while responding to the needs of new arrivals including asylum seekers.
9. One question posed throughout the inspection was 'Why do you think the police have such a prominent role in race relations?' Many replies pointed to the visibility of the service, and that the police would be the first organisation they would turn to. This can be seen as a compliment. However, it is important for the police service to emphasise that building positive race relations is an area where they are only one of the agencies with a part to play. The police service must engage fully in a multiagency approach if the widest progress is to be achieved in race relations.
« Previous | Contents | Next »