Scots police chief admits force ‘racist’

Sir Iain Livingstone, the outgoing chief constable of Police Scotland, said the force is institutionally racist and discriminatory. Speaking at a Scottish Police Authority meeting, he stressed the importance of acknowledging this issue to foster equality and transform the force into an antiracist service.

He said this does not mean all officers and staff are racist, sexist or homophobic – however, he stated firmly that there is no place in Police Scotland for individuals who harbour prejudices while also condemning the behaviour of colleagues found to hold discriminatory views.

The admission follows the recent announcement that additional officers would be enlisted as part of the Policing Together programme to eradicate offensive banter and the so-called canteen culture.

The admission comes days after it was announced that thousands more Police Scotland officers would be enlisted to stamp out offensive “banter” and so-called “canteen culture” as part of a mandatory programme entitled Policing Together.

This in turn came as a report was published that found “instances of discrimination against minoritised communities, including first-hand accounts of racism, sexism and homophobia” by serving officers.

Sir Iain, whose last working day at Police Scotland will be August 10, placed the onus on the force to eliminate institutional racism and called for a clear assessment of discrimination, aiming to provide just and effective policing for all while identifying and removing deep-rooted barriers.

The family of Sheku Bayoh, who died after being restrained by police officers in 2015, expressed gratitude to Sir Iain for speaking up on behalf of victims of racial violence and discrimination.

Lord Bracadale, chairing the inquiry into Mr Bayoh’s death, also welcomed Sir Iain’s statement, stating it aligns with the inquiry’s objective to examine events surrounding the tragedy, including any racial factors involved.

During First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood, Humza Yousaf commended the chief constable’s statement as monumental.

A spokesman for the first minister confirmed Mr Yousaf’s confidence in Police Scotland as an organisation.

ADMISSION: Sir Iain was speaking just days after moves were announced to stamp out offensive “banter” and “canteen culture”.