The investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence raised the question of whether racism existed within the police force, the Macpherson report confirmed this suspicion. One of Macpherson’s recommendations was to visibly increase the recruitment of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people in the police force. Succeeding an increased number of BME staff would reflect Britain’s diverse society and would be in the position to offer sensitivity to the cultural needs of the people. This will enable better communication and would demonstrate a more dynamic service.
52. That the Home Office together with Police Services should publish recognised standards of training aims and objectives in the field of racism awareness and valuing cultural diversity.
57. That the Police Services should through the implementation of a Code of Conduct or otherwise ensure that racist words or acts proved to have been spoken or done by police officers should lead to disciplinary proceedings and that it should be understood that such conduct should usually merit dismissal.
66. That HMIC (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary) include in any regular inspection or in a thematic inspection a report on the progress made by Police Services in recruitment, progression and retention of minority ethnic staff.