Greater Manchester Police launches three year plan for diversity

Greater Manchester Police has launched a new three year plan that responds to the needs of Greater Manchester’s diverse communities. In developing the plan, the force listened to the views of diverse communities across Greater

Manchester, who spoke out about what they thought of policing of their local communities.  The force’s new Equality, Diversity and Human Rights (EDHR) Strategy is the result of this consultation, and sets out 29 equality objectives for the force to fulfil over the next three years.

Three priority areas: Serving Our Communities, Supporting Our People and Organisational Processes are looked at in detail, with changes to processes across the force that will introduce a fairer and more transparent way of working.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said: “Greater Manchester Police serves an ever more complex and changing society in one of the most culturally diverse areas in the world. We have a persistent level of crime motivated by hostility and prejudice, although overall our community cohesion is something to be proud of.

“Over recent years GMP has made a major shift to neighbourhood policing, working with local people and local agencies to solve local problems. We have made huge advances in reducing gun crime and gang activity. We get great cooperation from groups representing minorities and this creates a more open conversation which has produced joint strategies to resist outsiders who want to ferment conflict.

“As we change society keeps changing around us and we cannot keep still. I am clear that GMP has a lot more to do if it is to become a truly modern and inclusive organisation where everyone feels part of the team and is valued for their contribution. “We need to do more to improve the use of stop and search and it is crucial that our recruitment of new staff reflects the make-up of the society we serve. This strategy lays out action plans to help us to improve further and has been subject to widespread consultation.” Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner I recognise the achievements that Greater Manchester Police has previously made and welcome their continued commitment to equality, diversity and human rights. “Community safety is my top priority and I have an absolute commitment to ensure that all the diverse citizens of Greater Manchester feel safe in their own communities. “This strategy must make a substantial difference to the lives of individuals and communities, and my role is to work with the Chief Constable to ensure that we make a real difference for all of our communities.”