Letter: Police racism

Friday 23 October 1998 00:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Letter: Police racism

Sir: Kathy Marks ("Problem is not isolated", 20 October) suggests that I contradicted the Commissioner in accepting institutional racism within the police whilst he denies it. Not true.

During the making of the programme Heart of the Matter I echoed the Commissioner's concern over the use of the term "institutional racism" as defined by Lord Scarman, "knowingly as a matter of policy", and over the many definitions that are around.

The Commissioner and I have both said that the problem of racism extends beyond bad apples but needs a new agreed definition behind which we can all mobilise.

DENIS O'CONNOR

Assistant Commissioner

South West Area

Metropolitan Police

Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Letter: Police racism

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering