Police launches equality scheme
Police chief says force will use scheme to ensure a "representative" workforce and eliminate discrimination
THAMES Valley Police (TVP) has launched a diversity and equality scheme to improve the way it deals with minority and ethnic groups across the region.
The Single Equality Scheme also sets out how the force will promote equality and diversity within its own workforce.
The Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Sara Thornton (pictured), recently appointed a CBE for services to the police in the Queen's New Years Honours list, said the force needed to adapt and work in partnership with changing communities.
“The scheme will assist in identifying priorities in relation to gender, disability and race, based upon consultation, measurement and legislative requirements,” she said.
“It will ensure that we have a representative, well trained workforce. It will help us to eliminate discrimination and promote good relations between all.
Earlier in the month, the force was warned it could face enforcement action over "disproportionate" use of stop and search powers.
TVP was one of two forces - the other was Leicestershire Constabulary - reprimanded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
The intervention follows the publication of the commission's report Stop and Think earlier this year, which claimed some police forces were being discriminatory in their use of stop and search powers.
The report, looking at the use of stop and search powers across England and Wales over the past decade, showed black people are six times more likely to be stopped and searched as white people.
TVP said it took the report seriously and would ensure steps were taken to avoid a recurrence in the future.