Monday 8 March 2010

Police Racism

Recently I was sitting around the table with a few teammates, a Sergeant and an Inspector from another team. We were discussing the various jobs we had dealt with or were dealing with, when a probationer PC piped up about a shoplifting job he had ongoing.

He'd just picked up the CCTV from the shop, which was of the usual quality - nice to have, but nowhere near good enough for a conviction by itself.
He'd played it back and had spotted a black male going into and leaving the shop at the appropriate time, and the suspect that he had arrested at the scene and who was sitting in custody was a black male.
The officer said "The useful thing is, there aren't many black people in that area, only two come in during the whole time, so that makes things a bit easier to ID him."

A long intake of breath followed.

The young in service officer paused. "What?"

Whispered conversation between the Inspector and Sergeant, then the PC was invited out of the canteen to have a chat about his "potentially racist attitude."
How have we got to this point, where a young, naive but eager PC is excited about the prospect of arresting a suspect and he is spoken to about his potential racism?

Yes, the words may have been misconstrued if seen in an isolated sentence. Yes, someone that wasn't in the conversation may have misunderstood. But in the context of the conversation, it was a simple case of a young copper wanting to be able to charge a recidivist thief.

The really sad thing is that the Inspector involved didn't for a moment think that any racism was involved, and the same goes for the Sergeant. What they didn't want (understandably) was to be seen to be allowing racism.

It's hard to keep up sometimes.

74 comments:

Hogdayafternoon said...

In a country village I onced covered, there lived an afro-carib` male. He was in a minority of one, literally, such was the demographic of this village. He always seemed to be wearing his favourite West Ham United top. My unbiased investigation started with the complainants statement, "The person running off from my car, with the radio in his hand, was black, aged about 14 and wearing a West Ham United shirt. It was Danny Grey who lives in Station Road". I started by asking if he could have been mistaken, as Aston Villa have similar colours, but it isn't rocket science to just keep the race in perspective without being labelled racist. Is it?

Anonymous said...

That's outrageous. Poor sod.

Minty

Old BE said...

Unless there is a minority of one as in Hogday's example, how does a lack of black people in the area improve the chances of finding the suspect?

Or am I missing something?

ps I am of very confused racial and ethnic background so there.

Hogdayafternoon said...

Anon@2240: If you mean the poor sod in my comment, yes he was, as well as being a really nice lad. Talk about carrying a label around with him. And I'm a West Ham supporter too. By the way, he did nick the car radio. His mates put him up to it. I cautioned him and the owner withdrew his complaint. Everybody won. That would not be allowed today.

Tom102 said...

We really are in trouble when the police are coerced into a thought process that determines thinking that it is better to think of terms of ethnicity, than one simple category. A 'thief is a thief' regardless, and a promising young officer is pillored for his accurate observations.

Pete said...

You are all chickenshit cowards.

Anonymous said...

i think his comments are clearly there for describing, i'm sure the lad is terrified, thinking he is going to lose his job. i don't think there is any hint of racism, and i would guess the black bobby also had no problem with it

Fee said...

Would the same attitude have prevailed if he'd said "there aren't many white people in that area"?

His comments, to me at least, were nothing more than a statement of fact.

Old BE said...

Fee - surely that would have been even more racist!

MTG said...

"The really sad thing is that the Inspector involved didn't for a moment think that any racism was involved, and the same goes for the Sergeant."

In part, I agree with the Inspector and Sergeant.

"What they didn't want (understandably) was to be seen to be allowing racism."

It was wrong to ask the young officer to leave the meeting and it provides no service to citizens that police can be immobilized through fear of red herrings. Crystal clear instruction and applied reasoning should have concluded a collective meeting.

JuliaM said...

Do you suppose the same thing occurs in, say, Nigeria or Japan when one of the few white expatriates is a habitual thief?

No. Me neither.

Why do we do it to ourselves, then? This is no more an example of racism than - should the thief be one of the few red-haired men in the area - observing this would be an example of 'gingerism'...

Area Trace No Search said...

Pete,

I do like Reading your comments. It makes me smile nearly every time, and I reckon there aren't enough things that make us smile on a day to day basis.

The only confusing thing for me though (ok, that's a lie - as a definite non-graduate many things confuse me) is why you read so many police blogs in so much detail?

I'm sure you don't consider us a worthy adversary even in typo wars, much less a threat to you, so what is it that drives you to keep Reading things that make you so annoyed? I know that I'd avoid anything that I didn't particularly like when I was off duty.

Please don't stop commenting on my blog however, I'm pretty sure there's a Pete Fan Club forming.

MTG said...

Gosh Area, reading your last comment invoked images of the Holy George D and audibility of the climactic bars to Handel's most famous chorus.

What we would all give to see the best traditional English values reconciled with our policing.

The Blue Light Run said...

ATNS, I missed your original post, so apologies for the delay. I recall a fellow police officer being racially verbally abused by a prisoner that she had just managed to tie up in a neat little package. The tirade of abuse from the prisoner was non-stop but my colleague was not fazed and remained competely professional throughout. The prisoner was further arrested (by another officer) for S4 racially aggravated public order. I'll never forget my black colleagues quip to the arresting officer that "you whites take this racisim shit far too seriously".

Defence Brief said...

Forgive me for seeming stupid, but where were they worried about the risk of racism arising?

Could anyone perceive it as racist to say, "I saw a 6' tall white man with brown hair enter a shop at the time money from the til was stolen"? I can't imagine any circumstance in whcih that would be perceived as racist, so what was worrying about your example?

Do the police now consider it racist to describe a suspect according to his ethnicity... if so then why do they record a suspects perceived enthnicity when booking in at the station?

Anonymous said...

It is uncommonly leading to accept for adapted caution of all your ornaments pieces so that they mould for the purpose a lifetime. There are different approaches and ways to clean distinct types of jewels be it gold, euphonious, pearls, diamond or semiprecious stone stones. Outlined below-stairs are the heterogeneous ways by means of which you can walk off carefulness of your accessories and maintain them lambent and novel always.

Anonymous said...

To be a upright benign being is to from a make of openness to the mankind, an ability to trust undeterminable things beyond your own restrain, that can govern you to be shattered in uncommonly exceptionally circumstances on which you were not to blame. That says something very weighty about the get of the honest passion: that it is based on a trustworthiness in the up in the air and on a willingness to be exposed; it's based on being more like a spy than like a prize, something somewhat feeble, but whose extremely particular attractiveness is inseparable from that fragility.

Anonymous said...

Those who be affiliated to the standard faiths call that the authority of their reliance rests on expos‚, and that revelation is acknowledged in the pages of books and accounts of miracles and wonders whose nature is supernatural. But those of us who take protracted discarded the belief in the supernatural quiet are in the self-possession of revelations which are the purpose of faith. We too entertain our revealed religion. We procure looked upon the lineaments of men and women that can be to us the symbols of that which is holy. We have heard words of venerable understanding and truth viva voce in the human voice. Out of the quarter there set up meet up to us these occurrence which, when accepted, allow to us revelations, not of abnormal creed, but of a regular and fated fidelity in the spiritual powers that animated and stay in the center of [a mortal physically's] being.

Anonymous said...

There's certainly a great deal to find out about this subject. I like all of the points you made.

my page: 1500 cash advance loans

Anonymous said...

Hi there to every one, the contents present at this
website are actually awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up
the nice work fellows.

my webpage: air Jordan

Anonymous said...

Hi there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers
and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.

Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a fair price?
Cheers, I appreciate it!

Here is my web-site :: wealthwayonline.com

Anonymous said...

Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Very helpful information specially the last part :) I care for such information a lot.
I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.


Feel free to visit my website http://www.converseshopfr.com/

Anonymous said...

What's up to all, the contents existing at this web page are truly awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.

Feel free to surf to my page - cheap jerseys

Anonymous said...

Greate article. Keep writing such kind of info on your blog.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job.
I will definitely digg it and individually recommend to
my friends. I'm sure they'll be benefited from this web site.


Here is my homepage :: Sidney Crosby Authentic Jersey

Anonymous said...

I got this website from my buddy who told me regarding this web page and at the
moment this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative content at
this place.

Review my web-site Abercrombie & Fitch

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that's both equally educative and engaging, and let me
tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I came across this in my search for something regarding this.

my website - Cheap Jerseys

Anonymous said...

Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. But imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more,
"pop"! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could certainly
be one of the greatest in its niche. Amazing blog!


Here is my weblog Abercrombie

Anonymous said...

If you want to improve your knowledge just keep visiting this website and be updated with the most recent gossip posted here.


My web page; Borse Gucci Ufficiale

Anonymous said...

WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for cheap hotels atlanta

My blog; http://wsmisports.com

Anonymous said...

Hiya very cool site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb ..
I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also? I'm satisfied to seek out so many helpful information here in the publish, we'd like work out extra
techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. .
. . . .

My website :: Authentic Mario Lemieux Jersey

Anonymous said...

all the time i used to read smaller articles which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening
with this article which I am reading now.

Also visit my site; Michael Kors Bags

Anonymous said...

Hello i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere,
when i read this piece of writing i thought i could
also create comment due to this sensible post.

Visit my blog post: Louis Vuitton Outlet

Anonymous said...

Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually
code with HTML. I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

Also visit my homepage - http://wealthwayonline.com/evgenimalkinjersey.html

Anonymous said...

Hi it's me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis, this web page is actually pleasant and the people are really sharing good thoughts.

Also visit my site - Louis Vuitton Bags

Anonymous said...

I do believe all of the ideas you've introduced to your post. They're really convincing and will certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are very short for newbies.

May just you please lengthen them a little from
subsequent time? Thank you for the post.

Feel free to surf to my homepage - NFL Cheap Jerseys

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as
I'm planning to create my own personal website and want to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Cheers!

Also visit my weblog; Kris Letang Jersey

Anonymous said...

Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.

Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement
you access consistently quickly.

Feel free to visit my web page :: Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags

Anonymous said...

I'm gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this blog on regular basis to get updated from hottest news.

Have a look at my web page :: Wholesale Jerseys

Anonymous said...

Amazing issues here. I'm very happy to look your post. Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to touch you.

Will you kindly drop me a mail?

my page - helpful resources

Anonymous said...

Hello my family member! I want to say that this article is amazing, great
written and include almost all important infos. I would like to
see more posts like this .

My webpage: Wholesale Jerseys

Anonymous said...

Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog!
We are a collection of volunteers and starting a
new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us
useful information to work on. You have done a extraordinary job!


my site ... Cheap Jerseys

Anonymous said...

If some one desires expert view about running a blog afterward i propose him/her
to pay a quick visit this web site, Keep up the good work.


My site - Oakley Sunglasses

Anonymous said...

I used to be able to find good information from your blog
articles.

Feel free to surf to my blog: Get the Facts

Anonymous said...

This design is wicked! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog
(well, almost...HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say,
and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!


My weblog: Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags

Anonymous said...

That is very interesting, You're a very professional blogger. I've joined your feed
and look ahead to in quest of more of your excellent post.
Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks

my site :: Sidney Crosby Black Jersey

Anonymous said...

I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your blog?

Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more
in the way of content so people could connect with
it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2
images. Maybe you could space it out better?



Here is my page :: Sac A Main Louis Vuitton

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading
it, you are a great author.I will always bookmark your blog
and may come back in the future. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job, have a nice weekend!



Also visit my blog :: http://www.tedxyse.com/

Anonymous said...

Wow, this article is fastidious, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things, so I am going to inform her.


Here is my web page :: Michael Kors

Anonymous said...

It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it's time to be happy. I've
read this post and if I could I want to counsel you few
fascinating things or tips. Perhaps you can write subsequent
articles referring to this article. I want to learn even more things about it!


My blog post ... Jordan Femme

Anonymous said...

Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you're working with? I'm going to start my own blog in the near future
but I'm having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!


My site; Visit Website

Anonymous said...

This is very attention-grabbing, You're an overly skilled blogger. I've joined your rss feed and look forward
to in the hunt for extra of your great post.
Also, I have shared your website in my social networks

Stop by my web blog: Cheap Jerseys

Anonymous said...

Having read this I believed it was rather enlightening.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this
short article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting.
But so what, it was still worth it!

My page ... Sac Guess Pas Cher

Anonymous said...

It's going to be ending of mine day, however before finish I am reading this fantastic post to increase my know-how.

Feel free to visit my blog post ... Solde Air Jordan

Anonymous said...

This blog was... how do I say it? Relevant!
! Finally I've found something which helped me. Thank you!

Take a look at my web page Abercrombie & Fitch

Anonymous said...

Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you
relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?


Feel free to visit my webpage Chaussure De Foot

Anonymous said...

Asking questions are actually good thing if you are not understanding anything
totally, however this paragraph provides fastidious
understanding even.

Look into my site: Louis Vuitton Purses

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the
blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.


Feel free to surf to my blog post - Mulberry Outlet UK

Anonymous said...

I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!

my web page ... http://klaniny.pl

Anonymous said...

It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd certainly donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i'll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.

I look forward to brand new updates and will share this
blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

Feel free to surf to my site ... Go Here

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I
provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My
blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my visitors would certainly
benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let
me know if this okay with you. Thanks!

My web site :: Nike Air Max

Anonymous said...

Thanks for finally writing about > "Police Racism" < Liked it!

Here is my web site :: more

Anonymous said...

I have been exploring for a little for any high quality
articles or weblog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site.
Studying this info So i'm satisfied to express that I have a very good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to do not disregard this web site and give it a look regularly.

Look at my web site ... get more info

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I discovered your blog by way of Google while looking for a related subject,
your site got here up, it appears to be like great.
I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, simply became alert to your weblog thru Google, and found
that it is truly informative. I'm gonna be careful for brussels. I'll appreciate should you continue this in
future. Many folks shall be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!

my blog post: visit this link

Anonymous said...

This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am truly impressed to read
all at alone place.

Stop by my web blog; Cheap Air Max ()

Anonymous said...

I have read so many content on the topic of the
blogger lovers except this article is truly a fastidious paragraph, keep it up.


Feel free to surf to my web site - homepage

Anonymous said...

Generally I don't learn post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.

My web site Beats By Dre

Anonymous said...

Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too.
This type of clever work and reporting! Keep up the good works
guys I've you guys to my own blogroll.

Also visit my homepage ... Sac Louis Vuitton

Anonymous said...

Very good info. Lucky me I discovered your website by accident
(stumbleupon). I've book-marked it for later!

My page Nike Air Jordan

Anonymous said...

You are so interesting! I don't believe I've read through a single
thing like this before. So great to find somebody with a few genuine thoughts on this topic.

Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that's needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

Feel free to surf to my web-site; Sac Louis Vuitton Pas Cher

Anonymous said...

I'm gone to convey my little brother, that he should also go to see this weblog on regular basis to obtain updated from most recent reports.

Feel free to surf to my blog post - Mulberry Bags

Anonymous said...

Pretty component to content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually loved account your blog posts.
Anyway I will be subscribing for your feeds or even I achievement you access consistently quickly.


Also visit my site ... Kobe Bryant Shoes 2013 :: ::

Anonymous said...

Hey There. I discovered your weblog using msn.
That is a really smartly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your useful information.
Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.

Stop by my web-site Air Max Pas Cher

Anonymous said...

I've been browsing on-line more than three hours as of late, yet I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It's lovely worth sufficient for
me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the net will
likely be much more useful than ever before.

Feel free to surf to my homepage: Nike Trainers

Anonymous said...

This is my first time go to see at here and
i am actually happy to read everthing at single place.



Feel free to visit my blog: Air Max Pas Cher