Thames Valley Police, the force which covers Milton Keynes, has released details of its Race Action Plan.
“At Thames Valley Police, our mission is to protect our communities with a vision to be an excellent police force trusted by all our communities,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.
“We are more inclusive, more diverse, and more reflective of our communities than we have ever been, however we must not be complacent.”
The work currently under development in the force focussed on diversity and inclusion was recently acknowledged in the latest HMICFRS report; from senior leaders promoting an inclusive and supportive force culture, to frontline officers consulting with members of the Black community, together we are improving policing.
This Race Equality Week, the force is now announcing its Race Action Plan, shaped by the recommendations of its ethnic minority communities.
In summer 2023, Thames Valley Police conducted a third public consultation phase for its local Race Action Plan, with the aim of engaging further with our Black communities and getting an in-depth insight into their understanding of the plan.
As part of the consultation, over 2,600 people of Black Heritage were engaged with during 41 Race Action Plan events, and 321 formal feedback forms were submitted.
You can learn more about the consultation here - TVP Race Action Plan newsletter.
The Race Action Plan can be found here - Read the Race Action Plan.
ACC Dennis Murray: “As the Chief Officer leading this vital piece of work, and being fully supported by our Chief Constable Jason Hogg, I am resolute that the Race Action Plan is lifted from the page and turned into demonstrable action that improves the way we deliver policing services for and builds the trust and confidence of our ethnic minority people and communities within the Thames Valley.
”Ethnic minority communities will only have confidence to engage with us and join us if they are reassured that this is not a ‘tick box’ exercise. I can reassure them that it is not, and delivery of the plan outcomes is essential to ensuring the culture of Thames Valley.”
The Senior Responsible Officer for the national Police Race Action Plan, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, said: “We have much to do to secure the confidence of all our communities, remove discrimination, and I welcome the news that another force have launched their Police Race Action Plan.
“Taking this step is vital in making changes needed to improve policing for Black people and shows the commitment Thames Valley Police has to being an anti-discriminatory police force that is trusted by everyone it serves.”