PSNI committed to anti-racism plans, says chief constable

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is committed to “being an anti-racist organisation”, its chief constable Jon Boutcher has said.

He made the pledge as the organisation launched a Race and Ethnicity Action Plan in Belfast.

The plan comes against the backdrop of a rise in the number of race hate crimes, including rioting in Ballymena in June.

The PSNI has also struggled to be better reflective of wider society in its composition. About 50 of its 6,200 officers are from an ethnic minority background, according to its own data

Issues were also created by how it handled a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020.

The plan, developed following a public consultation last year, is “more than just a document”, Mr Boutcher writes in a forward.

“We have made a commitment to being an anti-racist organisation.”

Mandatory “anti-racist and cultural competence training” will be delivered to all officers and staff.

It also promises a “zero tolerance” approach on racial misconduct.

The plan states that, nationally, it is accepted there is racism, discrimination and bias in policing.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland also accepts this is the case and is determined and fully committed to taking practical and meaningful action.”

It also pledges to “robustly” pursue “those who offend against ethnic minority communities”.

Mr Boutcher added: “This plan represents our commitment to our ethnic minority communities, ensuring everyone in Northern Ireland feels safe, supported and respected.

“Recent events have demonstrated the need for decisive action and clear leadership to stamp out racism, which clearly exists in communities in Northern Ireland.”

The chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Mukesh Sharma, welcomed the plan.

“There is much work to do in tackling hate crime,” he said.

“Its eradication requires a wider societal response in parallel with a policing one and publication of this action plan is an important step.”