Police review may spark two-tier justice concerns in England

Police in the UK are set to review their practices regarding young black people amid concerns of racial bias. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has instructed forces to work towards becoming "anti-racist." This follow-up to the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests highlights that merely not being racist is not sufficient. The upcoming report discusses the concept of "adultification bias," which suggests that black children are treated as older than they actually are when interacting with the criminal justice system. The NPCC is collecting evidence to address whether this bias exists in police actions towards witnesses, victims, and those who are stopped and searched. The report stresses the need for "racial equity," emphasizing that police should understand and respond to the unique needs of different communities rather than treating everyone the same. This approach has raised concerns among critics, who worry it could lead to different treatment based on ethnicity. Former justice secretary Robert Jenrick criticized the guidelines, arguing they undermine the principle of equality before the law. The report also emphasizes the importance of engaging with black communities due to historical mistrust towards the police. As part of this initiative, a "maturity matrix" will be created to evaluate police forces on their progress in anti-racism efforts. This includes looking at the career trajectory of black officers and the police response to the needs of black communities. The report has been endorsed by the policing minister, who wants to improve anti-racism training and address disparities in police powers. Police officials recognize that building trust with black communities is crucial for effective policing and crime prevention.