Top officer says anti-racism guidance has fuelled myth of two-tier policing
Head of Greater Manchester force rejects claims of anti-white bias but says he understands where it comes from
TL;DR
- Sir Stephen Watson, a senior UK police officer, believes anti-racism guidance has led to "over-correction" and adoption of "activist language" within policing.
- This has, in Watson's view, allowed the impression of "two-tier policing" to take hold, though he does not believe such bias exists.
- He argues that police forces need to be "less timid" in emphasizing their impartiality and should avoid language that implies an "activist role."
- The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) is reviewing its 2025 "anti-racism commitment" following criticism.
- Watson previously instructed officers not to take the knee during protests, stating it would undermine impartiality.