Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) formal investigation into the police service in England and Wales

Report: 9
Date: 31 March 2005
By: Clerk

Summary

This report provides Members with the recommendations of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) Formal Investigation into the Police Service in England and Wales published on 8 March and confirms the previously agreed approach to the implementation of the recommendations.

A. Recommendation

That Members note the content of this report.

B. Supporting information

1. In December 2003, the CRE announced a formal investigation, led by Sir David Calvert-Smith QC, into aspects of the police service in England and Wales. It was to investigate:

• The recruitment, training and management of police officers;
• Monitoring of these areas by the police service and police inspectorates;
• How police authorities and forces are meeting the statutory general duty to promote race equality, and related specific duties to publish a scheme and carry out employment monitoring

2. Work on the investigation began on 5 January 2004 and it published its report on 8 March 2005, making 125 recommendations. A list of the recommendations is attached as an appendix. While recognising that significant progress had been made in the police service in the area of race equality in recent years the report identifies a need to translate the willingness to change at the top into action at middle management levels.

3. At a meeting of the full Authority on 24 February 2005, members agreed that the Steering Group set up to progress action on the recommendations of the Morris Inquiry should also consider the implications of the CRE findings in conjunction with the recommendations of the Morris Inquiry (and the Taylor report). The Steering Group will report, as appropriate, to the full Authority or relevant committees.

C. Equality and diversity implications

Race and equality issues are fundamental to the recommendations of the formal investigation, as it was grounded in the Race Relations (Amendment) Act. These issues must, therefore, be integral to the way that the MPA and the MPS address the recommendations. In line with the spirit of that Act, consultation with, and involvement of, all stakeholders is imperative. The revision of the MPA’s Race Equality Scheme (for which the deadline is 31 May this year) will provide an opportunity to reflect the thrust of the report.

D. Financial implications

Some funding exists, and further funding is being considered, for the work on the recommendations of the Morris Inquiry. Following the consideration of the Morris Steering Group, and relevant Committees, any extra need for funding to further the CRE recommendations will become apparent.

E. Background papers

• The Police Service in England and Wales – Full list of recommendations of a formal investigation by the Commission for Racial Equality

F. Contact details

Report author: Doug Lewins

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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