Police deny institutional racism

Black and ethnic minority people are more likely to be stopped

Black and ethnic minority people are nine times more likely to be stopped and searched by police in Suffolk than white residents, a new report reveals.

Researchers for the Ipswich Council for Racial Equality carried out the study across the whole of the county.

Police told researchers they stopped black people because of the numbers of drug dealers coming from London, but denied institutional racism.

The study revealed only a minority of those searched had London addresses.

It was evident from the police's own figures that a majority of stop and search operations were directed against the black and ethnic minority population, said the report.

However, they were also motivated by the fight against drug-related crime and stop and search powers were very useful in this.

We're not suggesting Suffolk Constabulary is institutionally racist, but you cannot debate stop and search and ethnicity without looking at this subject Jane Basham, Council For Racial Equality

Researchers looked at the addresses of 2,287 people stopped and searched between 1 June 2007 and 30 June 2008.

Only 40 had addresses in London, 1.7% of the total, and these were found concentrated in Ipswich.

This did not explain the disproportionate numbers of black and other ethnic minority people being stopped and searched in other parts of the county, the study concluded.

The report said: "If Suffolk Constabulary believes it is not institutionally racist, this research found members of staff allowed to hold onto prejudices with nothing in place to challenge their views and consequent actions."

The report has recommended communication and training so that officers "treat everyone with respect at all times, because respect begets respect".

Stop and search is such a valuable tool in the fight against crime, I don't want my officers to stop using it Simon Ash, Chief Constable

Because of the numbers of foreign people in Suffolk it is suggested officers should be issued with Know Your Rights cards in several languages.

Training should also be given on intelligence gathering and interpretation as well as increased engagement with communities where tension with police exists.

Jane Basham from Ipswich and Suffolk Council For Racial Equality said: "We're not suggesting Suffolk Constabulary is institutionally racist but you cannot debate stop and search and ethnicity without looking at this subject.

"Officers are sometime reluctant to talk openly on ethnic issues.

"So we need to open up the subject and allow members of the public and the police to have a debate rather than not talking about it at all."

Chief Constable Simon Ash denied the force was institutionally racist but said: "The message we've heard loud and clear is that we must do far more to understand what it is like to be on the end of a stop and search.

"We must also really do all we can to make it a better experience for all those involved.

"But stop and search is such a valuable tool in the fight against crime I don't want my officers to stop using it."

Martin Jelly, east area commander, said training programmes were already under way.

"The action plan is starting to be implemented across the county through a training DVD and additional training for new officers.

"Some of the issues are being discussed with existing staff to make the situation better."