The Chief Constable of Police Scotland has said the force is “institutionally racist”.
Addressing a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) on Thursday, Sir Iain Livingstone said:
“It is right for me, the right thing for me to do as Chief Constable, to clearly state that institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination exist.
“Police Scotland is institutionally racist and discriminatory."
Livingstone, who is retiring, added: “Publicly acknowledging these institutional issues exist is essential to our absolute commitment to championing equality and becoming an anti-racist Service. It is also critical to our determination to lead wider change in society.
“Prejudice and bad behaviour within policing, as highlighted by court and conduct cases, various independent reviews and by listening to our own officers and staff over recent years, is rightly of great concern and is utterly condemned. There is no place in Police Scotland for those who reject our values and standards.
“Our vigilance as an organisation has never been stronger, rigorous recruitment; enhanced vetting; more visible conduct outcomes; and a focus on prevention.”
He added: “Our officers and staff, my colleagues, do incredible things to keep our communities safe, to keep their fellow citizens safe. I know they take their duties and responsibilities incredibly seriously.
“Their success is illustrated by the strong bond of trust we share with the public of Scotland and our role as the service of first and last resort in times of crisis.
“But we know, I know, people from different backgrounds or with different requirements don’t always get the service that is their right. We know that, for the same reasons, our own officers and staff don’t always have the experiences they deserve.
“When an organisation doesn’t have all the necessary policies, processes, practices and systems in place to ensure that doesn’t happen, it’s an institutional matter.”
He continued: “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 also requires identifying and removing the deep-rooted barriers to achieving 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 address gaps and challenge bias, known or unwitting, at every level, wherever bias occurs, to maintain and build confidence with all communities.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: "This is a bold and significant statement from the Chief Constable. It must act as a catalyst for positive change in our police service."
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