West Midlands: Reports examines disproportionality in police professional standards

September 26, 2012, 8:41 am

A REPORT commissioned by Greater Manchester Police has been published this week examining in detail apparent disproportionally between white and non-white officers and staff in respect of allegations of – and investigations into – misconduct and corruption.

West Midlands Police and British Transport Police supported the research by providing limited quantative data as comparator forces.

The report found that non-white officers were more likely to be subject to referrals regarding the most serious allegations of discreditable conduct and honesty and integrity.

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This independent report explored reasons for disproportionality and included a number of considerations around the participating force’s ability to deal with difference.

West Midlands Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Dave Thompson, said: “The report was commissioned to examine apparent disproportionally between white and non-white officers and staff in respect of allegations of – and investigations into – misconduct and corruption.

“There can be no ‘quick-fix’ to addressing questions of disproportionality and this paper forms part of our considered response to dealing with disproportionality in all its guises.

“West Midlands Police is committed to providing a service in which the public can have confidence. This confidence is rooted not only in how we operate in communities, but also our performance as employers. It is imperative therefore that we routinely examine our own practices and procedures.

“As part of our ongoing and long-term process of change the force is investing in developing the confidence and ability of supervisors to address poor performance in the workplace which is a common precursor to misconduct and, on rare occasions, corruption. We are also working to raise awareness of disproportionally which will better equip the organisation and its people to address issues giving rise to disproportionality.

“The very fact West Midlands Police supported this research project demonstrates our determination to address both the real and perceived integrity and fairness of our practices.”

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