Disproportionality contributes to some communities’ mistrust of the police and the justice system
The APCC has commented on the latest use of force statistics, published today (17 December).
APCC Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Lead Hardyal Dhindsa, and Race Disparity Working Group Chair Julia Mulligan, said:
“There are many reasons why a police officer may have to use force on a member of the public. No two incidents are identical and it is right that police officers are able to use their professional judgement and training to assess what is necessary in each case to keep themselves, their colleagues, and the public safe.
“But the data again suggests that force is being used against a disproportionately high number of Black people, as well as other minority ethnic communities – a fact which contributes to some communities’ mistrust of the police and the justice system. Police and Crime Commissioners are elected to speak up for all communities. We scrutinise the police on their behalf through local initiatives like those detailed in the APCC’s latest In Focus report.
“Through our Race Disparity Working Group, the APCC will continue to develop our response to these issues and concerns, enabling PCCs to address race disparity both locally and nationally.”