Police Scotland is ‘institutionally racist and discriminatory’, chief constable Sir Iain Livingstone admits

Police Scotland’s chief constable has admitted that the power is “institutionally racist and discriminatory”.

Sir Iain Livingstone, who is ready to retire later this year, mentioned prejudice and dangerous behaviour inside policing was “rightly of great concern and is utterly condemned”.

Speaking at a gathering of the Scottish Police Authority on Thursday morning, Sir Iain mentioned the precise factor to do as chief constable is to “clearly state that institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination exist”.

He added: “Police Scotland is institutionally racist and discriminatory.

“Publicly acknowledging these institutional points exist is crucial to our absolute dedication to championing equality and turning into an anti-racist service.

“It is also critical to our determination to lead wider change in society.

“Prejudice and dangerous behaviour inside policing, as highlighted by courtroom and conduct instances, varied impartial evaluations and by listening to our personal officers and workers over latest years, is rightly of nice concern and is totally condemned.”

Sir Iain harassed that his admission didn’t imply that particular person officers or workers have been racist or sexist.

He mentioned: “I’ve nice confidence within the character and values of our folks. I’m happy with Police Scotland and I’m happy with my colleagues, happy with my officers and workers.

“So I know and have shared the reservations and concerns about acknowledging that institutional discrimination exists in policing.”

Sir Iain, who has been an officer for 3 a long time and held the place of chief constable for six years, admitted that individuals from totally different backgrounds or with totally different necessities “don’t always get the service that is their right”.

He mentioned that was additionally true for the power’s personal officers and workers.

Sir Iain mentioned there “is no place” in Police Scotland for individuals who reject the power’s values and requirements, noting there was “rigorous recruitment; enhanced vetting; more visible conduct outcomes; and a focus on prevention”.

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The chief constable additionally put the “onus” on the power to rid itself of institutional racism.

Sir Iain mentioned: “A candid, clear assessment of institutional discrimination means recognising our absolute duty to provide just and effective policing for all according to their specific needs and circumstances.

“It additionally requires figuring out and eradicating the deep-rooted boundaries to reaching this.

“These are necessary steps to progress the commitment that Police Scotland will be anti-racist; a personal commitment I made to my fellow citizens at the commencement of the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh. And, as a commitment to the people of Scotland, it is also a commitment to Sheku Bayoh’s family and loved ones.

“The onus is on us, the police service, to handle gaps and problem bias, recognized or unwitting, at each degree, wherever bias happens, to take care of and construct confidence with all communities.”

Sir Iain added that understanding and recognising institutional racism and discrimination will help lead the “needed change” in the force and “contribute to alter throughout society”.

He said that Scotland as a whole must join the mission to “eradicate discrimination”.

Sir Iain added: “The police service of Scotland is dedicated [to] that mission, dedicated to making sure our police service, your police service and establishments are, along with the folks of Scotland, constructing equity, equality and justice.”

At First Minister’s Questions later on Thursday, Humza Yousaf commended Sir Iain for his statement.

He said: “That is step one that’s required so as to then dismantle these institutional and structural boundaries that exist.”

Mr Yousaf added: “As an individual of color, the assertion from the chief constable is monumental, historic.”