On Tuesday 15th October 2024, the London Race Action Plan was held at the Cypriot Community Centre, Earlham Grove, N22 5HU.
The London Race Action Plan outlines the steps the Metropolitan Police Service will take to become an anti-racist organisation, and a service that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of London.
The event was organised by PS Mehmet Ganidagli and attended by local senior Police officers, Detective Chief Superintendent Haines, Superintendent Byrne, Chief Inspec-tor Waterfield, and Chief Inspector Gibbs, Central Team Detective Superintendent Bediako along with Adina Lindsay from New Scotland Yard.
The event was facilitated by Rashheed from the Independent Advisory Group, and Lynette Charles CEO of MIND in Haringey, and Black Thrive – Haringey.
Several prominent guests were also in attendance, including the Mayor of Enfield, Mr Mohammad Islam, the Leader of Enfield Council, Mr Ergin Erbil, and Reverend Nims Obunge.
This was to ensure the important message and discussions were shared with the wider community.
During the meeting, Detective Chief Superintendent Haines and Superintendent Byrne provided important updates from a local perspective about the progress in policing, and what North Area are doing in relation to the four pillars of the London Race Action Plan: Represent, Respect, Involve, and Protect.
Ma’am Haines spoke of how the North Area Police workforce is made up of 30% of Officers from Black, Minority and Ethnic backgrounds (BME), with the highest repre-sentation in the 0 to 4-year service bracket at 29.5%.
Supt Byrne discussed the London Race Action Plan ride-alongs, the Independent Advisory Group, and cadets.
Detective Superintendent Bediako explained how the London Race Action Plan is part of a larger initiative, The New Met Plan for Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion.
The key objectives is to improve policing for black people, and the black and ethnic minority community, and creating a Police service that is anti-racist and trusted.
He noted that 44% of the black community had confidence in the Police, and that London has the largest black community in the United Kingdom.
The plan focuses on improving policing outcomes for black people, who are 3.5 times more likely to be stopped and searched, 2.5 times more likely to be arrested, and 42% of Taser use is against black people.
During the development of the London Race Action Plan, 2,200 people were consulted, including 400 young people across London, schools, youth charities, and organisations. This consultation aimed to seek feedback, recognise, and champion great practices and behaviours and help implement changes more rapidly.
Det Supt Bediako elaborated on the first pillar’s commitments which is to improve recruitment for officers and staff from Black communities, ensure equal opportunities and experiences for black officers and staff in the MPS, and tackle racial discrimination and racist behaviour. This including bespoke well-being for black officers.
The evening concluded with positive feedback from community members and significant engagement, with many important questions answered by the senior management team, and the Integrated Community Engagement Team, followed by a lovely buffet dinner by Stelios Cafe & Restaurant.
