Avon and Somerset Police is taking substantial measures to truly become an anti-racist police service, according to Chief Constable Sarah Crew.

A year ago, Desmond Brown's 'Identifying Disproportionality in the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice System' report revealed distinct experiences in the Department's interactions with people from different racial backgrounds. The report has since formed a fundamental part of the developing Race Action Plan.

Earlier this year, Baroness Casey's review of the Metropolitan Police prompted further self-examination within Avon and Somerset Police Department.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew has openly acknowledged the presence of systemic racism, sexism, and homophobia within the force. Despite these issues not being as explicit as they may be elsewhere, Crew has encouraged extensive dialogues within the department.

By Baroness Casey's standards, the Chief Constable accepted that Avon and Somerset Police exhibit characteristics of institutional racism. These standards set by Casey include the presence of racists within the organisation, unaddressed workplace racism, systemic perpetuation of racial bias, and the underprotection and over-policing of Black heritage individuals.

"Baroness Casey's review into the Metropolitan Police, published in March, was another catalyst for us to examine ourselves," she said.

"It's been a stark reminder for policing as a whole that the need for real and profound change is essential if we're to retain the public's trust and confidence. I recognise the issues around race, sexism and homophobia at Avon and Somerset Police. Perhaps not as stark as we've seen elsewhere, but they are here nonetheless. Since the publication of the review, I've been encouraging conversations and debate within my organisation, more specifically around institutional racism.

"When it comes to race, I'm in no doubt that, by Baroness Casey's criteria at least, Avon and Somerset Police is institutionally racist.

"I must accept that the definition fits. I think it's likely to be true for misogyny, homophobia, and disability as well, though the gaps in the data don't give us the sense of scale, impact, or certainty that we have for race. I need to be clear: I'm not talking about what's in the hearts and minds of most people who work for Avon and Somerset Police. This is about recognising the structural and institutional barriers that exist and which put people at a disadvantage in the way they interact with policing because of their race.

"Not being racist is no longer good enough, not for me and not for any of us. It is no longer okay to be a bystander and do nothing; to be part of a system that disadvantages one group of people over another.

"As for the few who do demonstrate attitudes and behaviours which are racist or discriminatory, we remain on a mission to root them out – they shouldn't be in policing, and we don't want them here."

To combat these institutional issues, the Avon and Somerset Police have developed a strategic plan. This includes a new 'explain and reform' model for stop and search operations, involving regular refresher training, mandatory recording of interactions, and a new stop search receipt for easier feedback.

Additionally, plans are in development to introduce the 'Chance to Change' programme, previously trialled by West Yorkshire and the Metropolitan Police. This initiative offers individuals the opportunity to avoid a criminal justice outcome for low-level or first-time offences. It targets young men of Black heritage, in particular, to keep them out of the criminal justice system and to improve relationships between the police, the criminal justice system partners, and Black heritage communities.

To further support the victims of crime from Black heritage communities, the department is exploring ways to treat victims and equitably address the disparity in crime experience.

This initiative is part of becoming a 'Trauma-Informed' organisation and includes cultural trauma and inclusivity training, giving officers a deeper insight into the traumas experienced by individuals of Black heritage.

Through these initiatives, the Avon and Somerset Police Department is making a determined effort to eradicate institutional racism and establish a policing system that is truly fair and inclusive. The goal is not only to challenge and change the discriminatory practices within the department but also to rebuild trust with the communities they serve.