Mercy Muroki: I'm not convinced fast-tracking black police officers is the answer

The Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced a new national fast-track scheme to promote black and ethnic minority officers to senior roles.

The move is intended to combat the lack of progression into senior ranks faced by these groups.

So – what does the data say? Well, the proportion of police officers who are black has barely changed over the last decade and a half – rising only 0.3% between 2007 and 2020.

This is despite black people making up more up around double that in the general population, around 3.3% at the 2011 census.

The issue is more stark in London in particular. Despite 13% of London being black, the number of black officers sits at 3.5%.

So, yes – there is a clear cut disparity between the numbers of black officers and the black population. I don’t argue with that. But before we get sucked into the diversity and inclusion vortex, let’s ask ourselves: what problem exactly are we trying to solve?

If the problem to solve is the issues relating to crime within black communities, then I don’t see how a few more black superintendents is the answer.

I can think of a few problems concerning policing when it comes to black communities: How about the fact that young black people are disproportionately stabbed and killed on streets – and do more of the stabbing.

That young black people are more likely to get sucked into gangs and county lines. That the proportion of those in youth custody who are Black has more than doubled since 2006 – In fact, half of young offenders institutes are now ethnic minority.

How about the fact that, according to the official survey of Mental Health in England, black people are more likely to be using illicit drugs than any other ethnic group.

Black women are twenty five times as likely as Asian women to have used illicit drugs according to official figures. That’s before you even get to the much publicised issues on stop and search.

Diversity fast track schemes are nothing but a sticking plaster that allow institutions to pat themselves on the back, whilst any conversations about the real underlying problems are swept under the carpet.

And, as an aside, I also happen to think they create animosity, undermine the credibility of those on the schemes, and are at least seen by many to be an assault on the fundamental principle of meritocracy.

I support the Home Secretary in efforts to create a police force that is more representative of our country - who wouldn't?

But as for how much this new scheme will do to chip away at the mountain of issues relating to race and crime... that, I'm not convinced of.