Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

THE CASE FOR CHANGE
5.72 Indeed, in each and every category examined by the ICG, the statistical
analysis showed that black and Asian officers had recorded internal and external
complaint profiles in excess of those expected. Correspondingly, majority white
officers had profiles below those expected in each significant category examined.
5.73 The MBPA regards this survey as persuasive evidence in support of the
conclusion that black and other minority ethnic officers are subject to
disproportionality in relation to the handling of complaints and investigations
within the MPS.
5.74 It is clear that there is disproportionality in relation to the number of
investigations and it is important to establish the reasons for this so that the
problem can be addressed. We understand that DPS has commissioned further
research. However, the MPS also points to the statistics in relation to outcomes.
“There is disproportionality. You can see there is disproportionality. But the disproportionality
then does not appear in terms of discipline boards or sanctions; it drops out. And so in fact,
I think, that means we must be managerially competent to stop it.”
(Evidence of the Deputy Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair.)
“The MPS understands the importance of perceptions and the fact that this perception may
exist amongst BME officers or some of their representatives is of grave concern. However, the
available statistical information does not support the belief: in fact, it could be argued that the
statistics suggest the opposite … the research carried out by the Internal Consultancy Group,
which is cited by the Met BPA does confirm that black and Asian officers are more likely to be
subject to internal investigation than their white colleagues. This is a matter of concern and is
the subject of ongoing research. However, by the stage that the DPS investigation process is
concluded, there is no disparity of treatment as between officers from one ethnic group or
another: officers under investigation are not more likely to face a misconduct board on the
basis of their ethnicity. This suggests that the objectivity and thoroughness of the DPS
investigation actually proves it weeds out any disproportionality in relation to BME officers.”
(Submission from Commander Ian Carter, MPS.)
114