- Conference
- 2024 Police, Probation and CAFCASS Conference
- Date
- 20 June 2024
- Decision
- Carried
On the 23rd of May 2023 Sir Iain Livingston, the then Chief Constable of Police Scotland issued a statement stating that institutional racism, sexism, misogyny, and discrimination exist within Police Scotland.
The new Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Jo Farrell agreed with this statement and reiterated Police Scotland’s commitment to eliminating discrimination when she took over in October of last year.
She made a further statement on 29th May this year apologising to the LGBT+ community, becoming the 17th UK Police Force to do so, stating “Laws which criminalised love and identity were wrong, and policing must recognise and reflect upon our role in enforcing them.” She stated she “was truly sorry for the serious and long-lasting physical and mental pain and harm caused, both to my internal colleagues, and to our communities.”
These statements on issues around discrimination by the former and current Chief Constable of Police Scotland are to be welcomed as without the recognition that issues exist it is impossible to put measures in place to resolve them.
Ironically the amount of Employment Tribunals facing Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority because of discriminatory behaviours by its leaders is at an all-time high. Words are great, actions with measurable outcomes are more powerful.
Conference calls on the SGE to:
1)Welcome the statements and public acknowledgements of the current and former Chief Constables of Police Scotland around institutional discrimination.
2. Work with Police Scotland, Police Forces in England and Wales and the Probation Service to eradicate racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination wherever it exists.
3. Work with Police Scotland, Police Forces in England and Wales and the Probation Service to seek reassurance on the training of its leaders and managers around eliminating discrimination in the workplace.