Commissioner’s response to Police Race Action Plan
In response to the publication of the National Police Race Action Plan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said:
“There should be no place for racism in North Yorkshire and York, and no place for racism in North Yorkshire Police.
“This Action Plan, the response of police forces nationwide and reaction of North Yorkshire’s Chief Constable is welcome. Unless we recognise there is a problem, not enough will be done to address it, so it is right and courageous for Lisa Winward to accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.
“This is not a problem though that can be solved solely by the Chief Constable or her leadership team. We must all work together to eradicate racism, not just from our police forces but from society as a whole.
“As part of this, it is important to never forget the contribution of North Yorkshire Police’s officers, staff and volunteers who work hard and bravely in often challenging situations to keep us safe and feeling safe, to tackle racism and discrimination in all its forms, and to lead on this issue from the front.
“The Police and Crime Plan I launched this month is clear – inclusivity, diversity and equality must be at the heart of North Yorkshire Police’s organisational culture. Without that, the public will not have the trust and confidence in the integrity of the organisation, its officers and staff that is so important to policing.
“We must be representative of the community we serve to properly represent everyone. Much has been done, there is much still be done, and we will work together to achieve North Yorkshire Police’s clear and simple ambition, to be proactively anti-racist.”
A national survey on the Police Race Action Plan has been launched today and Commissioner Zoë is encouraging everyone to take part and have their say.
Have your say
We are inviting feedback on the Police Race Action Plan via a survey. We welcome all views, from both inside and outside of policing.
The survey closes on Sunday 28 August.
It can be completed at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PlanFeedback/