To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of recent employment tribunal findings of race and gender discrimination in the Metropolitan Police Service, what plans they have to initiate a public inquiry into how the police handle discrimination claims.
Answered on
23 July 2014
There is absolutely no place for discrimination in our society and particularly in an institution as important as the Metropolitan Police. The findings of the employment tribunal in the case brought by Carol Howard are of concern. It is vital that complaints of racist and sexist behaviour in the workplace are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and resolved appropriately. The Independent Police Complaints Commission’s (IPCC) recent report on police handling of allegations of discrimination made a number of recommendations to improve police performance in this area. The IPCC will be working with forces, the College of Policing and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to ensure that these improvements are delivered. The Government has no plans at this time to launch a public inquiry into police handling of discrimination claims.