Force writes to ethnic officers

Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn is keen to stress the force is not racist

The chief constable of West Yorkshire Police is to write to his ethnic minority officers in an attempt to reassure them that the force is not racist.

The move follows the BBC documentary The Secret Policeman which revealed racist attitudes among some probationary officers at a training school in Warrington.

Although the West Yorkshire force was not featured in the controversial programme, letters will be sent to 198 serving and probationary officers along with people who have applied to join.

Ethnic minority officers make up 3.9% of the 5,037 police officers in the county, according to the annual force report published in March this year.

Colin Cramphorn's decision to send letters will be discussed at a meeting of the police authority on Friday along with other initiatives to clamp down on perceived racism within the police.

We will also reaffirm our commitment to deal quickly and firmly with anyone involved in racism, or allowing it to go unchallenged Police spokesman

Inspector Raham Khan, of the Black Police Officers' Association, told BBC Radio Leeds: "What we need to do is retain those people that want to join us so it was agreed we should write to those people as well.

"We welcome people to come and join us, especially people from ethnic communities."

He added that the force was also considering ways to "motivate existing officers to make sure we do not lose them".

A force spokesman said he was unable comment on the contents of the letter ahead of the meeting.

He added: "The programme reminded all of us within the service that the issue of racism in policing is still on the agenda.

"It provided an opportunity to reaffirm to all officers and staff that racism will not be tolerated.

"At Friday's meeting we will explain in more detail what we have done and what we continue to do to try to eradicate racism.

"We will also reaffirm our commitment to deal quickly and firmly with anyone involved in racism, or allowing it to go unchallenged."