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<p>The Government is committed to improving diversity in policing: in a modern, diverse
society it is essential to building the trust and confidence of all communities.<br><br>This
Government’s reforms will allow for faster progress on equality and diversity. We
established the College of Policing, which has embarked on a major programme looking
at recruitment, retention and progression of black and <br>minority ethnic officers
and has recently published advice on positive action for police forces. We are actively
engaging with the College, and forces to ensure this work is taken forward, providing
access to key diversity data to <br>evaluate progress within forces, and publishing
workforce diversity data online for the public on police.uk. We have also introduced
different routes into the police through the Direct Entry schemes and by supporting
the development of <br>‘Police Now’. These schemes have received a more diverse range
of applicants compared to the existing police workforce. For example, the ‘Police
Now’ scheme received 1,248 applications, of which 48% were from women, and 19% from
<br>people of black or ethnic minority backgrounds. This is in contrast to the current
representation levels in the Metropolitan Police, where only 11% of police officers
are from an ethnic minority background and 25% are women.<br><br>We have also established
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) with responsibility for the totality of policing
in their areas, including ensuring that community needs are met, and that forces secure
the trust and confidence <br>of the public. Decisions on when and how to recruit individuals
are for the chief officer of a police force. <br><br>We welcome the launch of the
Gypsy, Roma Traveller Police Association this year, whose aims include fostering better
relations between the police and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. This shows
that policing takes equality <br>and diversity seriously and is taking steps to address
issues that matter to all communities.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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