Lincs officers attend national Black Police Association Conference

Police Officers from our SMILE (Supporting Minorities In Lincolnshire through Education) staff network, Chair Detective Sergeant Jesee Karanga, Deputy Chair Police Constable Jason Thomas, and Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Zara McArdle, attended the National Black Police Association Conference in Cheltenham this week.

They heard from a number of inspirational speakers on racial inequalities including Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, Azeem Rafiq, Mina Smallman, Dr Stuart Lawrence, Teddy Burton and Yvonne Coghill CBE. The lessons learnt and connections made will feed into the work the force are doing on the Police Race Action Plan and improving policing for Black People.
The plan is available here Police Race Action Plan | College of Policing This national plan recognises that the racial disparities affecting Black people are most acute and the trust deficit presents a significant challenge to police legitimacy and effectiveness.

We do not intend to minimise issues with any other policing relationships and this plan is in addition to ongoing efforts to ensure that policing is inclusive and fair to all.

Lincolnshire Police is committed to being a representative, inclusive and supportive force that recognises, respects and understands the differences and needs of individuals and communities. You may not always see racial inequalities or understand the impact they have, but they have a significant and detrimental effect on many within our community, which is unacceptable. It is vital that we get this right, as in doing so we will improve trust and confidence from our communities.

Photo, left to right:

SMILE Chair Detective Sergeant Jesee Karanga, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Zara McArdle, and SMILE Deputy Chair Police Constable Jason Thomas.