The plan aims to bridge the gap in previous relationships between police services and Black communities within the area and is thought to be rolled out to further communities if proven successful. 

South Yorkshire Police admitted to racism within the force and launched a local Race Action Plan to tackle the issue.

The implementation comes after the Race Action Plan, RAP, was published for all police forces across the country in 2022, receiving backing from all 43 Chief constables across England and Wales. 

Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Poolman, Race Action Plan Lead, South Yorkshire Police said: “As a force, we accept that racism, discrimination and bias exist within policing.”

“We are ashamed of those truths and we must face up to the reality that policing needs to change and evolve if it is to secure the trust and confidence of Black and Black heritage people and the general public.”

The plan intends to identify necessary changes that must be made to improve trust and relations within the policing in Black communities as well as addressing racial disparity within the police service itself. 

The plan is set to be delivered between now and 2026 and has been developed with the insight of those in Black community, both through the public and internally within the police. 

The changes set to occur include: building an anti-racist force, becoming  inclusive and informed, increasing representation, providing proportionate police powers, improving relations within Black communities, supporting black colleagues and protecting people within these communities from harm. 

South Yorkshire police said: “The actions set out in the local plan set out the steps we will take as part of the ongoing journey towards earning the trust and confidence of the Black and Black heritage communities we serve, through fair, transparent and accountable policing.” 

The full Police Race Action Plan is available to read here. 

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