30 Years On: Police Race Action Plan Targets Racism in South Yorkshire
More than three decades after the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence shook Britain, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) are stepping up with a bold Race Action Plan to tackle racism and discrimination in their ranks and communities.
Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Sparks a Justice Revolution
Following Stephen’s murder, five suspects were arrested but never convicted. The 1998 public inquiry into the case gave birth to the landmark Macpherson Report, hailed as “one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain.”
This report triggered seismic shifts in attitudes towards racism, law enforcement, and police practices. It also paved the way for modern equality laws, pushing society towards a deeper understanding of discrimination in all its forms.
South Yorkshire Police Lead From the Front
Despite progress, racial bias still lingers. In May 2022, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and College of Policing published the draft Police Race Action Plan, committing England and Wales forces to become genuinely anti-racist.
SYP took this seriously, carrying out a rigorous gap analysis to pinpoint where they fall short. They’ve launched community engagement sessions with local Black communities to listen and learn—focusing on critical issues like racial disparities in traffic stops.
“Our communities told us this was an issue,” said a spokesperson. “We’re now improving how ethnicity data is recorded during traffic stops, similar to stop and search and use of force stats. This means better transparency and accountability.”
SYP has been named an ‘icebreaker’ force by the NPCC Race Action Plan team—a sign of national recognition and support for their pioneering work.
Taking Action: New Workstreams and Dedicated Leadership
Driving the force’s new Race Action Plan are multiple specialised workstreams led by senior officers, covering:
- Use of power
- Community engagement and relations
- Protection against victimisation
- Internal culture and inclusivity
Deputy Chief Constable Tim Forber heads the plan and is personally engaged with the Black community and SYP staff.
“These conversations have only solidified how much I want this work to make a difference. This is a priority—for the force and for me personally—to end discrimination, racism and bias,” Forber said.
“We’re building a clearer picture of practical steps and want to strengthen relationships with South Yorkshire’s Black communities, to create the anti-racist police force they deserve.”
On #StephenLawrenceDay, SYP pledges: We will do better. Today, and every day.
