Chief Constable Apologizes for “Institutional Racism” and “Over-Policing” of Black Communities in Dorset

A chief constable issued an apology to Black communities for “institutional racism” present within her police force. During the launch of a Race Action Plan, Amanda Pearson stated that individuals of Black heritage in Dorset experienced being “over-policed, under-protected [and] under-represented”. According to the plan, these individuals faced a higher probability of being stopped and searched, arrested, and handcuffed compared to other residents of the county. Ms Pearson further commented: “Trauma and harm has been and continues to be caused to black people and communities as a consequence.” Through an open letter published on the police force’s website, Ms Pearson indicated that distinct evidence of racism emerged from assessments she had initiated since her arrival at the force in March 2023. She penned: “I therefore am writing to acknowledge institutional racism within our organisation.” “I do not, hand on heart, believe that I am leading an organisation where the majority of our officers, staff or volunteers hold racist views or act in overtly or intentionally racist ways.” She continued: “Therefore, there must be something in our systems, policies and processes that creates this unfairness and inequality.” The Race Action Plan revealed that Dorset police officers required an additional 10 hours to locate a Black individual classified as a high-risk missing person. The plan also reported that 89% of colleagues from ethnically diverse backgrounds within the force had encountered racial bias over the past two years. Furthermore, it noted that only 0.5% of the officer contingent identified as Black. Officers from Dorset Police were found to be 10 times more prone to stopping and searching Black individuals, the plan indicated. This discrepancy in stop and search incidents exceeded the national average, as per Home Office data for the fiscal year concluding in March 2023. During September, the force disclosed that it had documented 97 grievances alleging racial misconduct involving officers over the preceding five-year period. In response to a Freedom of Information inquiry, the force stated that four officers had been dismissed and six suspended. Ms Pearson announced that the force intended to examine every aspect of its operations, with the implementation of changes scheduled by September 2025.