CORRESPONDENT DFG Hodgson asks me how the National Black Police Association can assist us to have a "multicultural police force"
(HAS, Aug 16).
Black police associations (BPAs) were first established in the 1990s to deal with difficulties in recruiting and retaining officers from ethnic minority backgrounds. The situation was perpetuated by an absence of black and Asian role models, and was partly due to racism, both overt and unintentional, within police forces.
This led to a lack of confidence in the police among ethnic minorities.
BPAs provide a support network for black and Asian officers, and, since there is no substitute for firsthand experience in understanding racism, can advise on eliminating racism within the force, dealing with racist crimes, and establishing better relations with ethnic minority communities.
BPAs have therefore played an important part in promoting equal opportunities within the force, facilitating social cohesion generally, and ensuring that the police provide a professional public service to everyone, regardless of ethnic origin.
Pete Winstanley, Durham.
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