A recent report has criticized the progress made by police in addressing racism, highlighting the slow and inconsistent nature of reforms since the launch of the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) following George Floyd’s murder in 2020. The Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB) overseeing the PRAP expressed concerns that advancements have relied too heavily on individual efforts rather than a collective commitment from police leadership.
According to the ISOB report, only six out of 44 police forces covered by the PRAP have publicly recognized institutional racism. Abimbola Johnson, the chairwoman of ISOB, drew parallels between the current slow pace of change and the aftermath of the Macpherson inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993, which exposed institutional racism within the Metropolitan Police.
Statistics from 2024 revealed significant racial disparities, with Black men being 2.4 times more likely to be arrested than white men, and Black individuals being 3.7 times more likely to be stopped and searched compared to their white counterparts.
Johnson emphasized the need for structural accountability for Black communities, urging the government and policing authorities to prioritize institutional change over individual efforts to address racial disparities effectively.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew of Avon and Somerset Police stressed that acknowledging institutional racism is just the beginning, emphasizing the importance of tangible actions to rebuild trust with Black communities.
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, recognized the progress made under the PRAP but acknowledged the ongoing need for deeper systemic changes to combat racism within policing. He highlighted the importance of a renewed focus on anti-racism to build trust and confidence among officers, staff, and the communities they serve.
As the Police Race Action Plan transitions to a new phase with an emphasis on anti-racism, the ISOB report called for the establishment of independent scrutiny and the incorporation of race equity within inspection and performance frameworks. The report also stressed the importance of embedding accountability within core systems to drive continued progress in addressing racial disparities.
Overall, the report underscores the critical need for sustained commitment and systemic changes to address racism within policing and ensure equitable treatment for all individuals interacting with law enforcement agencies.
