No place for prejudice or discrimination in policing
There is no place for prejudice or discrimination in our police force, say the Scottish Greens.
Sir Iain Livingstone, the chief constable of Police Scotland, has said that the force is institutionally racist and discriminatory.
The Scottish Greens justice spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP said:
"This is an important and unprecedented intervention from the Chief Constable, and it must mean change.
“The justice system has to work for all of us. There can be no place for racism, sexism homophobia or any other form of prejudice or discrimination in our police force.
"In the course of their work, police officers will engage closely with diverse and vulnerable communities. They can only do this well if there is a mutual sense of respect and trust. The issues highlighted by the Chief Constable are undermining that trust and respect.
"Police Scotland employs a number of officers and other workers from marginalised backgrounds and minoritised communities. These workers should always be able to do their jobs in a supportive and welcoming environment, as should any worker. It is totally unacceptable if these workers are living in fear of being punished for raising concerns.
"We can’t go back to business as usual. There has been progress over recent years - and I welcome that - but there is clearly still a long way to go.”