PCC John Campion has welcomed a report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) today on the action police forces in the UK are taking on race disparity, with work already underway in West Mercia.
A review of the police and crime plans for each PCC in the UK was also carried out and found four had no mention of race, diversity, equality or inclusion.
Despite not being one of the areas highlighted, the PCC has been spearheading cultural change throughout West Mercia, with equality objectives in place to drive activity within the police force and the wider criminal justice system.
The PCC continues to regularly hold the Chief Constable to account on how local and national strategies, including the race action plan, are being delivered by West Mercia Police. This includes highlighting the challenges of race disparity within the force, overall force activity as well as noting good practice.
The PCC’s next thematic Assurance and Accountability meeting with the Chief Constable will take place in October, focussing on diversity, equality and inclusion. This session will focus on the use of police powers such as stop and search, arrest rates within diverse communities, and the force’s engagement with underrepresented communities.
PCC John Campion said: “I welcome the latest inspection from HMICFRS. Whilst no recommendations were made against West Mercia Police, this report further highlights the importance of ensuring diversity, equality and inclusion remains a central focus of my work, as well as that of West Mercia Police.
“I am proud of the diverse workforce we have within West Mercia Police and that the impact of the united work we are doing to address equality is being recognised on a national level. I will continue to ensure every single person within the force area is given a fair, equal and respectful service from West Mercia Police.”
