It is possible whispering campaigns to stop black and Asian officers being promoted to senior ranks are happening, a police chief has admitted. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the Chief Constable of Cheshire, Peter Fahey, said fairer selection systems were needed. Until recently Mr Fahey was the lead on race diversity for the police service. The National Black Police Association welcomed the comments, calling them "honest, brave and much-needed". 'Face not fitting' Currently, seven out of more than 200 officers at assistant chief constable rank and above are from ethnic minorities. According to BBC correspondent Barnie Choudhury, many within the police believe there are whispering campaigns to stop them reaching the top. Asked whether this was true, Mr Fahey said he could not deny this was happening. He said in an organisation like the police often it can be about your face not fitting and whether you are in some existing power networks. |
BBC News Most Popular Now