DIVERSITY FROM THE

POLICE PERSPECTIVE

Diversity

• Human qualities that are different from our own and those of groups to which we belong but are manifested in other individuals and groups. Dimensions: ethnicity, gender, race, physical abilities or qualities, sexual orientation etc.. (Adapted from Marylin Loden and Judy Rosener, Workforce America: Managing Employee Diversity as a Vital Resource, Illinois: Business One Irwin, 1991, p.18)

• Police – „different ability”, „different needs to support” of some members of minority communities

The concept of diversity has acquired a particular importance for the Police Forces around the country following the findings of Stephen Lawrence Enquiry.1. The Race Relation (Amendment) Act 2000 – arose directly from the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report2. Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (introduce specific racially aggravated offence3. Human Rights Act4. Race Equality Scheme (result of Race Relation Act 2000)

Its now emphasised that, as a public service provider the Police has a duty to provide the required degree of service for all members of community.

The duty to promote race equality - all police forces and authorities have

a statutory general duty to work towards:

• eliminating unlawful racial discrimination• promoting race equality

• promoting good relations between people from different racial groups

• Racist incident – any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or ant other person

• Faith Related Incident – any incident which is perceived to be based upon prejudice toward or hatred of the faith of the victim or so perceived by the victim or any other person

• Secondary victimisation – if victims of hate crimes or incidents experience indifference or rejection

Examples:

• Unprovoked assault, abuse, or harassment of any person of visible ethnicity, or those for whom English is not a first language (unprovoked damage to property, graffiti)

• Any incident in which members of the asylum seeker & refugee communities are similarly targeted

• Incidents that occur in and around take away & restaurant premises that are own and staffed by people of visible ethnicity or international background – Chinese and Indian food premises, kebab, pizza, fish and chips shop

Diversity Officers – key roles: to provide regular contact point for victims and community groups

How we do it:• Contacting the victim by letter,

telephone• Signposting to alternative agencies

for support and advice (Intercom, DEREC, Victim Support)

• Keeping the list of suitable contacts for diverse group for advice and guidance (CAB, Social Services)

Also part of the role- collecting statistics and information

on hate crimes

1. Welcome to the Police Leaflet - introduction packs for emigrants detailing expectations and basic law to abide by

2. TRUE VISION packs3. Leaflets in various languages to Stop

and Search and Crime prevention4. Statement taking – assisting5. Diversity Resource book – for

Officers who wish to engage with their diverse groups + locations, contact numbers

6. Partnership work with other agencies – where a victim of racial harassment requires assistance with a housing move

7. Regular visits in take ways 8. Visiting places where people from

ethnic minorities are employed (Lloyd Monder)

Difficulties

• It is often difficult to obtain

information on the issues faced by members of minority communities. Communication may be problematic, whilst some group feel intimidated by the Police and find it hard to express their needs freely.

Barriers to reporting• Language barrier

• Victims feel the crime was not important enough

• Victims feel the police would not take them seriously

• Some do not trust the Police

• Some do not know how to report it

Difficult to reach groups

• Asylum seekers and refugees

What do we do:

• Interpreters

• Language line

• Work in partnership with other organisations like Race Equality Council

• Consulting members of ethnic minorities (Chinese Take Ways Partnership)