Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner chosen to fight Equality, Diversity and Human Rights issues

Hardyal Dhindsa’s new role includes working with the the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and other policing partners to tackle hate crime, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

It encompasses improving diversity and inclusion in the police workforce and driving work to reduce disparity in the Criminal Justice System.

Speaking after the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners' AGM, Mr Dhindsa said: "There has been some good progress over the years in tackling issues such as hate crime and disproportionality and we have improved diversity in the workforce. But we must do more.

"I am aware that in the aftermath of the McPherson Report action was taken on many of the recommendations.

"But that early head of steam seems to have petered out somewhat and I think we need to reboot this work in light of recent events.

"I know that we are willing to do our bit, but I want wider society to do work with us and do their bit too.

" This must never become an ‘us and them' situation."

Mr Dhindsa has already shown that he is leading by example.

Earlier this month, the PCC revealed that a major review has commenced in Derbyshire, looking at policing practices across the area to identify areas requiring improvement in tackling racial inequality.

The chief c onstable and the c ommissioner agreed an urgent review of the impact of the force's organisational policies and practices on citizens and staff members from all BAME backgrounds, but also specifically in relation to black men and women.

Mr Dhindsa said: "We've always taken equality issues extremely seriously and have been at the forefront of efforts to increase diversity within policing but there is so much more to do and this review will go much deeper in examining further opportunities for progress.

"For policing to be truly effective, people need to feel valued, supported, respected and understood and it is quite clear that for some within our black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities we still have a long way to go.”

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