Discrimination is discrimination is discrimination.

The Association of Chief Police Officer has recently discussed whether they should adopt a program of “affirmative action”. This euphemism could actually be translated as a program of racial discrimination. In an attempt to increase the ethnic diversity of the force the Association is considering whether it should favour ethic candidates over white males, the ethnic candidate would be favoured for no other reason than because of his or her race. I find this totally outrageous for four reasons: it is not acceptable to discriminate anyone on the basis of their race; I hold this as a value as many other sane thinking people do. The colour of your skin should play NO part in you gaining a job, the standard of service you receive or your chances of promotion. Secondly I find it hard to see how the Association does not think this move would in fact increase racial prejudice in the force. If the current white officers think that the only reason their black counter part is there because of his or her race and not their ability then that is going to cause tension, it will also create an atmosphere of preferential treatment against many officers who will become disillusioned with the institution. We need a united force this policy would promote differences in it. Thirdly it totally patronises all ethnic candidates attempting to get into the police force. Those who would have gained a place in a level playing field would now have that achievement tarred and branded as less because they only go it on their race. Lastly this system would lead to a distrust of the white community towards black officers and it would undermine black officers standing in the community because people would think that they are only there to meet a quota not because they were a good officer (even I they were) What we need is an active recruitment campaign that targets ethnic minorities to join not a preferential system.

All candidates need to meet a certain standard to join those that reach this should be considered all equally a truly fair system is a meritocracy. Just imagine if the colours of the skin here were reversed there would be a huge reaction against such prejudice behaviour, it is not different just because it is the majority group being discriminated against. I agree that the police needs to be more reflective of the community it serves but this is not the way forward. I hope that the Association realise this and make proper decision. This policy would only promote racism undermine the achievements of black officers who make it on their won merit and it would promote a distrust of the police. It is just another attempt by this government to force through change badly.

The government is trying to enact a similar policy in university admissions calling for state school candidates to be let in to the top institutions on lower grades. Myself a comprehensive student would hate such a system, as I would like to be secure in the knowledge I gained my place because I was the best applicant and competed equally and won against a range of students. When will this government learn that discrimination is wrong in all spheres.