12 officers disciplined after 'racist police recruits' documentary

Twelve police officers are to be disciplined following a BBC documentary which exposed racism among recruits, it was announced today.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission launched an investigation into the documentary, The Secret Policeman, which was screened in October 2003.

Today the IPCC said four officers who train recruits will receive written warnings, while seven constables and a sergeant will receive formal advice from a senior officer. None will be sacked.

Ten officers resigned after the programme was screened.

Six police officers resigned from Greater Manchester Police, two from North Wales Police and two from Cheshire Constabulary.

The IPCC has also recommended changes to national training procedures. It has written to the Greater Manchester force and Centrex, the national police training organisation.

The IPCC has called for changes to the way the Police Service trains its recruits as a result of the investigation.

Disciplinary procedures should be speeded up in cases of gross misconduct so officers could be instantly dismissed when there was "compelling evidence" against them, it said.

Methods should be developed to identify personality traits that were "unacceptable" in police officers.

The feasibility of having an independent person on every recruiting panel for trainers should also be examined.

The IPCC called on Centrex to carry out a national review of race and diversity training.

Ms Williams added: "The IPCC is anxious that progress should be made on these proposals with a review of progress in September.

"It is vital that the police service can permanently improve recruit training and ensure that each and every police officer supports the need to treat everybody fairly, regardless of their race, religion or colour."