Chhokar: Jandoo report at a glance

Solicitor Dr Raj Jandoo was asked to report on the liaison arrangements between the police, the Crown office and procurator fiscal service and the relatives and partner of Mr Chhokar.

He was also asked to consider and comment on racism and the police investigation of any racist motive for the crime.

Dr Jandoo concluded that:

• the police investigation was "effective and efficient" in tracing and arresting suspects and gathering evidence;

• they did not consider adequately the question of racist motivation in the crime, despite direct questioning from the family;

• Dr Jandoo criticised the way police released information about racial motivation both to the press and to a local councillor;

• the police failed to liaise with the family during the investigation and at the end of the first investigation and the first trial.

• there was also poor communication during the second trial;

• there was police ignorance about Sikh funeral customs and confusion over the release of the body for cremation;

• institutional racism was evident in the police and the procurator fiscal system.

• the police failed to appreciate the impact which a major crime has on members of a vulnerable minority community;

• the procurator fiscal system failed to realise that the Chhokar family might need interpreter assistance;

• they did not receive adequate assurances from the police about a racist motive for the crime;

• Dr Jandoo made no findings of individual racism.

Among the 40 recommendations made are:

• that the Crown Office Quality and Practice Review Unit should be reinforced and reconstituted as a formal inspectorate;

• the inspectorate should conduct a thematic review of the service's response on race matters within two to three years;

• the setting up of a Victim Liaison Office within four to five years;

• a better communications systems between the Crown Office and police at the most senior levels;

• Practical measures to address a "policy-practice gap" in Strathclyde Police;

• improvements in police family liaison;

• greater police use of "local multi-agency partnerships" to tackle race issues.