Each force will be handed a quota to meet within 10 years, equal to or higher than the percentage of ethnic minorities in its local population.

The report into police handling of the racist murder of south London teenager Stephen Lawrence prompted the reform.

BBC correspondent Jon Silverman: "Some chief constables have been slow to implement change"

The Metropolitan Police, which investigated the death of the black 18-year-old, faces one of the toughest challenges.

Only 3.3% of its officers are black or Asian, according to Home Office figures. It will have to increase this to more than a quarter, in line with London's population.

For some areas, the challenge appears still tougher. Cumbria has an ethnic minority make-up of less than half of one percent. It is being told to recruit 1% black or Asian police officers.

Only four of England and Wales' 43 regional forces are on track to meet the targets. (Click here for full details.)

The home secretary insisted such bold figures disguised the real picture.

"Cumbria currently has two black or Asian officers," he said.

"The target is 10 - in 10 years time. That is easily achievable."

His targets could be met, he said. Chief constables who failed would be held accountable, but most wanted to see change.

Home Secretary Jack Straw: "Chief constables will be held accountable"

"There is a real determination within the police service by officers of every rank to put the past in terms of attitudes to race behind them."

Home Office research published alongside the recruitment targets shows why the police equally need to improve their record in retaining ethnic minority officers. It shows:

• black and Asian police officers are almost three times more likely to be sacked than white colleagues
• it takes a black constable about 18 months longer to be promoted to sergeant than a white constable and 12 months longer for Asian officers
• resignation rates are twice as high among ethnic minority officers as white officers
• 60% of black and Asian officers claim to have experienced racism at the hands of their colleagues.

Sir William Macpherson's report into the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation accused police forces of "institutionalised racism".

Police failings in the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry prompted concern over race

A number of chief commissioners, including the Metropolitan Police's Sir Paul Condon, publicly admitted this charge.

The home secretary said the police had in the past showed it could handle change.

Both women and graduates have greatly increased their numbers within forces around Britain.

"I remember 20 years ago there was all this talk about women joining the police service and actually doing the same frontline duties as male police officers, and people saying it wouldn't happen and the idea of female chief constable was a nonsense," Mr Straw said.

"We've now got three women chief constables and a good recruitment of women right across the police service."

Home Affairs Correspondent Jane Peel: "Some forces face a tough task"

Some officers challenge whether the police can attract ethnic minorities on a £16,000 starting salary.

The Metropolitan Police Federation's Glen Smythe said: "It's difficult enough recruiting any officers.

"That's not going to be any different for people coming from the ethnic minorities. Their aspirations are exactly the same."

Mr Straw insisted the police service was "well-paid" and neither money nor the overall recruitment freeze would be a problem.