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After fourteen months of negotiation and consultation, the Metropolitan Black Police Association have agreed to lift their recruitment boycott in regard to black candidates joining the Metropolitan Police Service. Alfred John, Chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association said, “The MPS have implemented a number of changes in regard to the management of race and diversity
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Press Release
The MetBPA lift Police Recruitment Boycott
After fourteen months of negotiation and consultation, the Metropolitan Black Police Association have agreed to lift their recruitment boycott in regard to black candidates joining the Metropolitan Police Service. Alfred John, Chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association said, "The MPS have implemented a number of changes in regard to the management of race and diversity and we believe that this sets an environment where race relations can be treated seriously. This approach provides us with greater confidence in the Commissioner's Management Board to deliver on areas of race and diversity".
The boycott was originally initiated after long-term concerns regarding the lack of career progression and disproportionate disciplinary action toward people of colour within the MPS. Mr John said "I believe we are in a new era and I am hopeful that we will see significant change in these areas".
One of the changes welcomed by the Association has been the move to bring the Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate under the Deputy Commissioner's Command. Led by Director Denise Milani, the Directorate now has the power to instigate race inspections anywhere within the MPS. Mr John stated "We will be playing an integral part in driving change within the MPS and look forward to working alongside colleagues to bring about real change within the working environment, addressing the issues of disproportionality and bringing about greater trust and confidence between the MPS and London communities". The Association also welcomes the MPS review of the use of Ancestral DNA techniques within the Service.
The boycott was reluctantly called in October 2008 by the Association, when it lost confidence in the Management and leadership of the MPS and the MPA to address serious concerns raised in regard to race and diversity. Concerns reached boiling point with the suspension of the then Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, one of the most senior police officers of colour in the country.
The boycott lead to a review of race relations within the police service across the country, with a specific focus on recruitment initiated by the former Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith. Further reviews were conducted including Mayor Boris Johnson's "Race and Faith Inquiry" into the Metropolitan Police Service and the Metropolitan Police Authority, along with the Home Affairs Select Committee's one-off review, "Ten Years After Lawrence".
Mr John said "There is still much work to be done in regard to the issues of race both internally and in terms of service delivery, however, we must seize the moment and look forward to working with MPS Management Board colleagues to drive these changes - it requires a genuine desire for change."
Note to editors: All press enquiries to the Chair of the MetBPA, Alfred John, on 07887 635375.