Ethnic minority officers' 'low morale'

Forces have tried to recruit more ethnic minority officers

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Do not be surprised if you hear about more ethnic minority officers in England and Wales leaving the profession.

At the second annual conference of the National Black Police Association in Manchester, many say morale is at an all-time low.

Since the organisation was launched in Birmingham in 1999, there has been an air of confidence about the association borne by collective solidarity.

You feel you're walking a tightrope, that you're being watched all the time, people are waiting for you to fall

Ethnic minority officer

Yet talk to others and there is also a mood of despondency.

"Morale is at an all-time low," said one officer from Greater Manchester. "It has been since the Stephen Lawrence report."

That might sound strange because the government meant for the opposite to happen. But his logic was quite clear.

Since the 1999 Macpherson report into the Stephen Lawrence murder many black and ethnic minority officers feel they have to carry the baggage of explaining why a police force is institutionally racist.

Support calls

"Nothing's really changed," said another.

"You feel you're walking a tightrope, that you're being watched all the time, people are waiting for you to fall."

The NBPA says it has been inundated with calls from colleagues who want support.

If you run investigations which are contrary to law, unethical, unfair, we will expose you

Ravi Chand
NBPA chairman

Many want to leave. It has tried to work with them to make sure good officers do not leave in droves, such is the mood.

But here is the paradox. There are more than 30 BPAs dotted around police forces around the country.

Today their voice is louder and stronger. Their language firmer and harder. As a unit they are willing to challenge.

But there is a price. The association believes high-profile officers who have brought up grievances have been investigated with the sole intention of their being discredited.

Stark warning

This is denied by the forces concerned. They say the investigations are legitimate.

The Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley is concerned enough to table questions in the House of Commons.

Ravi Chand, chairman of the NBPA, gave a stark warning to police chiefs.

I dot every 'i' and cross every 't' for fear of being investigated because I've put myself forward

Paul Bailey
Greater Manchester BPA

"The only thing I can do is to try and send an unequivocal message to forces that if you start to target black officers unjustifiably and you run investigations which are contrary to law, unethical, unfair we will expose you.

"We will name and shame you publicly."

Unsurprisingly members have begun to look over their shoulders.

Paul Bailey is the chairman of the BPA in Greater Manchester.

Investigation fears

He says some will describe him as arrogant, loud and angry. He counters that he is simply telling some uncomfortable home truths.

But Mr Bailey knows he may have to pay the price of being so outspoken.

He knows that at any moment there could be a knock on his door and people with whom he has served will search his home.

"I feel under immense pressure. I dot every 'i' and cross every 't' for fear of being investigated because I've put myself forward."

The Home Office is supporting the Black Police Association.

Individual incidents

Junior minister Bob Ainsworth MP feels it would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases.

But he added: "We're obviously interested in some of the principles but what I cannot do is get involved with individual incidents.

"The issues behind them are issues of concern and obviously we want to monitor them."

The NBPA says there is a record number of active employment tribunal cases - about 200 - that will cost the taxpayer £20m in legal fees.

It wants to work with forces to settle grievances before they get to tribunal and save time, money and emotional hardship.

If forces do not co-operate the association is clear what it will do - name and shame them.