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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.

7. That the Home Secretary and Police Authorities should seek to ensure that the membership of police authorities reflects so far as possible the cultural and ethnic mix of the communities which those authorities serve.

48. That there should be an immediate review and revision of racism awareness training within Police Services to ensure: […]

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.

53. That there should be independent and regular monitoring of training within all Police Services to test both implementation and achievement of such training.

55. That the changes to Police Disciplinary and Complaints procedures proposed by the Home Secretary should be fully implemented and closely and publicly monitored as to their effectiveness.

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. 

58. That the Home Secretary, taking into account the strong expression of public perception in this regard, consider what steps can and should be taken to ensure that serious complaints against police officers are independently investigated. Investigation of police officers by their own or another Police Service is widely regarded as unjust, and does not inspire public confidence.

64. That the Home Secretary and Police Authorities' policing plans should include targets for recruitment, progression and retention of minority ethnic staff. Police Authorities to report progress to the Home Secretary annually. Such reports to be published.

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.