July 26, 2005: Police Action on Diversity

The police are to step up their drive to encourage the recruitment of ethnic minorities and women.  At a joint Home Office and ACPO National Diversity Conference on 'Delivering Diversity in the Police Service' on 21 July 2005, Policing Minister Hazel Blears launched the Positive Action Toolkit, a good practice guide for police forces on running positive action events for police recruitment. Hazel Blears said:

"The tragic and shocking events of 7 July showed us exactly why diversity is so important to the police service. Never before have public confidence and effective engagement with Britain's diverse communities been so vital.

"Whether we are disabled, gay or lesbian, young or old, Muslim or Jewish, we all have a contribution to make to policing either as members of staff or members of the community, and we need to recognise the real benefits that diversity can bring to our society.

"We are committed to the achievement of a modern and fully representative police service and are working together with the police service to improve the way in which police officers interact with communities and to promote a greater awareness and respect for diversity."

Peter Fahy, ACPO lead on Race and Diversity and Cheshire Police Chief Constable, said:

"This is not about political correctness but it is about a very clear operational need. We must be confident that the police service can attract the brightest and most committed whatever the race, gender or background. We have made significant progress with new recruitment processes and training programmes. This new toolkit includes a number of measures to make sure we have a workforce which can strengthen the security and confidence of the communities we serve."

The 'Business Case for Diversity' was also launched at the conference. This clearly sets out race and diversity as a business imperative, and outlines the importance of a diverse police service that is able to engage more effectively with communities.

Further information on equality and diversity in the police service can be found here.