2024-01-05T12:57:03+00:00
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/ The Chairman of the National Police Council in Britain, Gavin Stephens, urged on Friday a fundamental redesign of national policies and practices to eliminate discrimination, after acknowledging that racism in the police is an “institutional process.”
Stephens said, in an interview with the British newspaper “The Guardian”, that “blacks should no longer suffer from the racist use of force,” adding: “The responsibility of leadership falls on us to describe to them what (institutional racism) means and what it does not mean, and it does not mean “Because all police officers are racist.”
He stressed that “the way our policies and procedures were designed and implemented for many years did not include Black voices in the design and implementation of those practices, which resulted in us getting disproportionate results in places where there should be satisfactory results,” considering that the most useful discussion that should be What police need to do in the future is how to redesign policies, practices, and implementation to eliminate that discrimination.
sked if it was his personal opinion that “the police are institutionally racist,” he said, “Yes.”
Police Scotland, the second largest force in the UK, as well as von and Somerset Police and British Transport Police, have accepted that the term “institutional racism” applies to them, but the three largest forces in England – the Met, West Midlands Police and Greater Manchester Police – were all Not agreed.
fter the killing of George Floyd in the United States and the subsequent protests of 2020, the National Peace Council promised reform and launched a racial action plan, which observers say has done nothing in three years.
What are the key challenges Gavin Stephens identifies in reforming policing policies in the UK?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Gavin Stephens, Chairman of the National Police Council in Britain
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Mr. Stephens. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent comments regarding the need for a fundamental redesign of national policing policies have stirred significant conversation across the UK. Can you tell us what prompted your call for such critical changes?
Gavin Stephens: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The impetus for my comments came from a deep reflection on the ongoing discussions around discrimination within our policing systems. It’s become increasingly clear that to build a truly equitable society, we must confront these biases head-on. Acknowledging that racism and discrimination exist within our organization is the first step toward meaningful reform.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. It’s a vital conversation. You mentioned a “fundamental redesign.” What specific changes do you envision to address these issues effectively?
Gavin Stephens: The redesign must encompass several key areas. Firstly, we need to invest in comprehensive training programs that emphasize anti-discrimination practices and cultural competence. Secondly, we should implement transparent accountability measures that hold officers responsible for discrimination, creating a culture of trust. we aim to engage more with communities, ensuring our policies reflect the diverse society we serve.
Time.news Editor: Community engagement is indeed crucial. However, what challenges do you foresee in implementing these changes, given the historical context and existing structures?
Gavin Stephens: There will certainly be resistance. Change, especially in deeply rooted institutions like policing, is rarely smooth. Some may view these reforms as a threat to traditional practices. However, I believe the benefits – improved community relations and public safety – significantly outweigh these challenges. It’s about fostering an environment that prioritizes fairness and equality.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a transformative journey ahead. Public perception plays a huge role in policing. How do you plan to shift the narrative around police-public relations, especially in communities that have been historically marginalized?
Gavin Stephens: It starts with transparency. We need to communicate openly about our strategies, successes, and setbacks. Additionally, facilitating dialogues between police and community members is essential. By listening to their experiences and concerns, we can adapt our approaches and rebuild trust over time.
Time.news Editor: That approach can be quite impactful. Looking forward, what are your hopes for the National Police Council and its role in shaping policing practices in the UK?
Gavin Stephens: My aspiration is for the National Police Council to lead by example in promoting a policing model that is inclusive, fair, and grounded in community relationships. Ultimately, we want all members of society to feel safe and valued, knowing they are treated equally under the law.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Stephens. Your insights today highlight a critical movement towards reforming policing practices in the UK. We look forward to seeing how these changes unfold in the coming year.
Gavin Stephens: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important issues.