Recruitment of ethnic minority police officers in England and Wales is "well below target", a study has concluded.
The assessment by Policing Minister Vernon Coaker found 4.1% of officers were from ethnic minorities; the target nationally is for 7% by 2009.
But figures did show ethnic minority special constables met the 7% target in 2007, and were now at 9.3%.
The report also found retention rates among ethnic minority officers were worse than those of white officers.
The Home Office research showed in the ninth year of the 10-year target period, the representation of ethnic minority police personnel overall - officers, police staff and special constables - stands at 5.6%, as opposed to the overall 2009 target of 7%.
"I recognise a lot has been done but I do also feel we can do a lot more"
Ethnic minority officers were also under-represented in specialist posts and at higher ranks, the report said.
Among a number of recommendations for improvements, the Home Office is setting new local targets for forces and exploring a targeted recruitment campaign.
Mr Coaker said: "We need a police service which represents the public.
"A representative police service will better understand and serve its local community and that is what I want us to work together to achieve."
Racists barred
The assessment identified existing good practice, including recruitment standards to prevent people with racist or discriminatory attitudes joining the police.
Candidates who do not pass the "respect for race and diversity" element do not get through, regardless of how well they do in other areas.
Iqbal Bhana OBE, chair of one of the Post Lawrence Project Groups - The Racist Incident Group - said he welcomed the findings.
He said: "I feel this is another opportunity for the police service to work with us to help the service to move forward.
"I recognise a lot has been done but I do also feel we can do a lot more."
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