THE question is being raised again of ethnic minorities not being sufficiently represented in the ranks of the police force. There would appear to be no reason why policemen, or indeed workers in any other walk of life, should be recruited other than on the grounds of qualification and suitability. Physical characteristics should play no part in selection – we don’t have a quota for red headed workers or left handed ones, so why have one for skin colour?
It is interesting to note that there is a Black Police Officers’ Association but not a white one. While accepting the need for all workers to be represented what are the employment differences between black and white police officers, it is also curious that whereas the main police trade union is supported by its members’ subscriptions, as in other work areas, but the Black Association is subscription free.
I feel sure that the difference in funding arrangements and the existence of two organisations representing policemen do little to foster the cause of integration and removal of discrimination.
Geoffrey Richards Ashton Road Hilperton Trowbridge
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