Scotland’s police chief admits force is ‘institutionally racist’

BIRMINGHAM, England

Sir Iain Livingstone, the chief of Police Service of Scotland, said the right thing to do as chief constable is to “clearly state that institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination exist” within the police department.

Speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority on Thursday, Livingstone said prejudice and bad behavior within the police was “rightly of great concern and is utterly condemned.”

“Police Scotland is institutionally racist and discriminatory. Publicly acknowledging these institutional issues exist is essential to our absolute commitment to championing equality and becoming an anti-racist service,” he added.

Livingstone, who is retiring in August, said it is critical to department’s determination to lead wider change in society. He stressed that the force should now “move beyond words and focus on action.”

Earlier in March, an independent report into London police force concluded that the Metropolitan Police is “rotten, broken, institutionally racist” and should be abolished if it cannot change.

The 363-page report revealed many shocking incidents, including a female Met Police officer being “forcibly undressed” by a male officer in a patrol car, and forced to sit on his lap.

The force, it said, has failed to protect the public from officers who abuse women. Londoners have been “put last” and the city “no longer has a functioning neighburhood policing service,” it added.

A total of 1,483 allegations of violence were reported against 1,539 police officers in England and Wales over a period of six months, according to recent data released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Only 13 officers and staff were sacked for misconduct, and nobody was fired as a result of public complaints.

Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.