Adapted for our audience from the article "Two Decades On: Has the Macpherson Report really changed policing?" by Ian Thomas, written for www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk.
Over 20 years ago, the murder of Stephen Lawrence revealed serious racism within the Metropolitan Police. After this, the Macpherson Report was written, giving 70 suggestions on how to improve UK policing and restore trust between the police and communities.
This article looks at how things have changed since the Macpherson Report, how these changes have affected Black communities, and the challenges that still remain.
The Macpherson Report: A Call for Change
In 1993, Stephen Lawrence was tragically killed in a racist attack in Eltham, South East London. The police investigation was badly handled, with accusations of racism and incompetence, leading many to believe the police weren’t committed to finding justice for Stephen. The Macpherson Report, published in 1999, called out the Metropolitan Police as "institutionally racist" and offered a detailed plan to reform policing.
Changes After the Macpherson Report
Diversity in Recruitment and Training:
Progress and Ongoing Challenges
Representation and Diversity:
Broader Impacts on Society
Law Changes: The Macpherson Report led to the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, which brought anti-discrimination practices into public services.
Educational Changes: Schools now include lessons on British racial history and the importance of diversity and inclusion to educate young people about these issues.
The Road AheadThe Macpherson Report has led to important changes, but much work is still needed:
Using Technology:
Summary:
The Macpherson Report was a major step in addressing racism within the Metropolitan Police and led to several reforms. These include efforts to recruit more Black officers, improve cultural training, and make policing more transparent. However, challenges like racial profiling, slow career progression for Black officers, and damaged trust between Black communities and the police remain. The report also influenced wider changes in law and education. The journey to fully achieve the report’s goals is ongoing, and it requires continued effort to ensure equality, inclusion, and trust between the police and all communities.
Glossary:
Over 20 years ago, the murder of Stephen Lawrence revealed serious racism within the Metropolitan Police. After this, the Macpherson Report was written, giving 70 suggestions on how to improve UK policing and restore trust between the police and communities.
This article looks at how things have changed since the Macpherson Report, how these changes have affected Black communities, and the challenges that still remain.
The Macpherson Report: A Call for Change
In 1993, Stephen Lawrence was tragically killed in a racist attack in Eltham, South East London. The police investigation was badly handled, with accusations of racism and incompetence, leading many to believe the police weren’t committed to finding justice for Stephen. The Macpherson Report, published in 1999, called out the Metropolitan Police as "institutionally racist" and offered a detailed plan to reform policing.
Changes After the Macpherson Report
Diversity in Recruitment and Training:
- Hiring Black Officers: The report encouraged the police to hire more Black officers to better reflect the communities they serve. However, progress has been slow, especially in senior roles. In 2022, Black officers made up about 1.5% of the police, while Black people make up about 3.3% of the UK population.
- Training: The police introduced diversity training to help officers understand cultural differences and reduce unconscious bias. While this training has raised awareness, there’s still work to be done to turn this awareness into everyday actions.
- Stop and Search: New policies were put in place to make stop and search practices fairer. However, Black people are still disproportionately targeted, showing that more needs to be done to stop racial profiling.
- Transparency: The police are now required to publish data on stop and search incidents, including the ethnicity of those stopped, to ensure accountability.
- Advisory Groups: Independent groups were created to allow the police and communities to have open discussions and rebuild trust. These groups have helped, but in some areas, trust in the police is still low due to ongoing perceptions of racial bias.
- Community Outreach: The police have been working to engage with local communities and involve them in decision-making to improve relations.
Progress and Ongoing Challenges
Representation and Diversity:
- Slow Progress: Despite efforts to recruit more Black officers, the police force still does not fully reflect the general population, especially in higher-ranking positions. Other sectors, like healthcare and education, have seen more progress in diversity.
- Promotion Challenges: Black officers face difficulties advancing in their careers, highlighting deeper issues within the police culture.
- Resistance to Change: Some within the police have resisted these changes, and reports of racism and discrimination within the force show that changing attitudes is still a major challenge.
- Institutional Racism: The Macpherson Report called out institutional racism in the police, but even with new training and policies, a full cultural change is still needed to eliminate these biases.
- Eroding Trust: The slow pace of change and ongoing racial discrimination have damaged trust between Black communities and the police, making it hard to rebuild relationships.
- Impact on Policing: Lack of trust affects the police’s ability to do their job effectively, so fixing these relationships is vital.
Broader Impacts on Society
Law Changes: The Macpherson Report led to the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, which brought anti-discrimination practices into public services.
Educational Changes: Schools now include lessons on British racial history and the importance of diversity and inclusion to educate young people about these issues.
The Road AheadThe Macpherson Report has led to important changes, but much work is still needed:
Using Technology:
- Body Cameras and Data: Body-worn cameras and data analytics can help improve transparency and accountability. Regular checks are needed to ensure these tools are used effectively.
- Digital Communication: Using digital tools can help improve communication between the police and the Black community.
- Local Input: Involving communities in policing strategies can help bridge the trust gap and make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
- Collaborative Programmes: Projects like ride-alongs, volunteering, and advisory boards can help improve relationships between the police and communities.
Summary:
The Macpherson Report was a major step in addressing racism within the Metropolitan Police and led to several reforms. These include efforts to recruit more Black officers, improve cultural training, and make policing more transparent. However, challenges like racial profiling, slow career progression for Black officers, and damaged trust between Black communities and the police remain. The report also influenced wider changes in law and education. The journey to fully achieve the report’s goals is ongoing, and it requires continued effort to ensure equality, inclusion, and trust between the police and all communities.
Glossary:
- Stephen Lawrence – A young Black man who was murdered in a racist attack in 1993.
- Metropolitan Police – The police force responsible for Greater London.
- Macpherson Report – A report published in 1999 that criticised the police for being racist and offered suggestions for reform.
- Institutional Racism – When racism is part of the normal practices and policies of an organisation, rather than just individual actions.
- Stop and Search – A police practice where officers stop and search individuals if they suspect them of wrongdoing.
- Unconscious Bias – When people are influenced by stereotypes or prejudices they may not even be aware of.
- Racial Profiling – When people are targeted or treated unfairly based on their race or ethnicity.