Policing priorities for Black communities

Due to lack of resources there will only be a few debates in the run up to the Police Commissioner elections in November that will be asking, ‘What are the priorities for Black Communities in this crucial regional and national debate about policing?'.

Make no doubt about the focus on who is in charge of local/regional policing dramatically changes with a USA style Police Chief setting the priorities and the budget. If we don’t have a voice will the practice of ‘Stop and Search’ translate to more racial profiling? Will those Black people arrested continue to face a disproportionally in those being charged? Will we find ourselves better or worse protected?

Director of Just West Yorkshire Ratna Lachman demands that we have a voice. Her organisation, supported by OBV  is planning a West Yorkshire Hustings on 7th November in Bradford. Speaking out, Lachman stated:

The issue of policing priorities for BME communities is critical for our region as the demographic profile is becoming increasingly more diverse yet the race equality agenda appears to be unwittingly sidelined.

Let’s support this and other similar events, perhaps even put one together yourselves in an area where these elections are taking place.

Date and time: Wed 7th November, 6:00 pm registration 6:30-8:30 pm
Venue: Kala Sangam, St. Peters Hours, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, BD1
Tel: 01274 54 22 22
Web: www.justwestyorkshire.co.uk

Simon Woolley