Did police anti-racism policies lead to appalling treatment of Henry Nowak and if not, what did?

Critics on the right have suggested that a focus on anti-racism policies may have led to police mishandling the stabbing of Henry Nowak by Vickrum Digwa. These critics claim officers failed to properly assess the situation, resulting in the "appalling treatment" of Nowak as he lay dying. A particular point of contention is a document published last year by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) titled the police anti-racism commitment. Some critics also assert a broader sentiment that police are inclined to side against white individuals when in doubt.

However, an analysis of the evidence and interviews with policing experts suggest this narrative omits crucial aspects of the circumstances that led to a "devastating set of failures." The police anti-racism commitment, part of the police race action plan, is not widely known, even among those involved in its creation. It outlines steps police chiefs will take to end racial bias. A controversial section states: “It does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’ (racial equality).”

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It does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’ (racial equality).

The home secretary described the phrasing as "clumsy." Sources familiar with police thinking explain it means officers should consider the historical experiences of different groups with policing. For example, a Jewish person might need reassurance that a hate crime is being considered in a criminal damage claim, and a Black person might need assurance that a stop and search is not racially motivated.

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I don’t think it forms the basis of any training or any police activity. We think the language is wrong, it gives the wrong impression. But I don’t think it affects how our training is done.

Ministers acknowledge the document was not distributed to officers for action, but concede it gives the wrong impression. Policing minister Sarah Jones stated, “I don’t think it forms the basis of any training or any police activity. We think the language is wrong, it gives the wrong impression. But I don’t think it affects how our training is done.” The NPCC clarified the document is not formal policy or training. One source added that few senior officers, let alone frontline staff, would be aware of it or guided by it.

Britain's former head of counter-terrorism, Neil Basu, explained that while police are expected to take claims of racial motivation seriously, this differs from automatically accepting that any alleged crime is hate-motivated. Basu, who was Britain's most senior ethnic minority officer, stated, “When a victim says something you take it seriously, but that is different to believing it. The policy is supposed to stop police officers ignoring victims without investigating.”

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When a victim says something you take it seriously, but that is different to believing it. The policy is supposed to stop police officers ignoring victims without investigating.