Drive to recruit black officers

Police forces are failing to curb racism, the CRE says

A special road show designed to attract more men and women from ethnic minority groups to a career with Thames Valley Police is set to get under way.

The event, aimed at making the force more representative of the diverse communities it serves, will be held in Oxfordshire on 7 July.

Thames Valley currently has 128 serving officers and 104 support staff from minority backgrounds.

It was one of four UK forces chosen by the Home Office to pilot the new drive.

Representatives from the National Black Police Association, police volunteers and the Special Constabulary will be among those who will be providing information about career opportunities on the day.

Chief Insp Geoff Smith, Thames Valley's recruitment officer and head of the ethnic recruitment project, said: "This event is a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds to find out a little more about the police service.

"We hope to dispel a few common misconceptions and to demonstrate how much a career within the service has to offer."

The road show will be held at the Holiday Inn on Peartree roundabout from 1000 to 1900 BST.