Police quota debate 'welcomed'

Ethnic minorities are under-represented in many forces

A national debate on positive discrimination in the police force has been welcomed by a Home Office minister.

Hazel Blears said she would encourage talks after calls by the National Black Police Association (NBPA).

But no changes in the law were imminent, Ms Blears told delegates at the association's annual conference.

The organisation has been pressing for the change to address a shortage of ethnic minority officers.

It says many forces in England and Wales are unlikely to meet 10-year targets for the recruitment of black and Asian officers set in 1999.

However, the NBPA's proposal for positive discrimination as a solution has not been welcomed in all areas of the police force.

Critics say it has the potential to cause resentment amongst other officers.

Standing ovation

Hazel Blears told the 600 conference delegates more consultation was needed before any change.

"We have got a whole range of views about these issues. We need to move forward together. What we don't want is a situation where we have real division.

"We have also got to explore whether we are using the current law to its full extent, before we change the law," she said.

NBPA members at the conference in Blackpool were also addressed by BBC reporter Mark Daly, who carried out secret filming showing racism amongst police trainees.

The resulting programme, The Secret Policeman, sparked a political row and led to the resignations of several officers filmed in the documentary.

Mr Daly received a standing ovation after telling delegates of his experiences and saying there was "no place" for racism in the police.