Fines: Racial Discrimination

(asked on 28th August 2020) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle racial bias in the issuance of covid-19 related fines.


Answered by
Kit Malthouse Portrait
Kit Malthouse
This question was answered on 8th September 2020

Our dedicated police officers have gone above and beyond during this pandemic – keeping the public safe through engaging, explaining, encouraging, and enforcing only as a last resort.

While it is a complex picture, it is a concern to see disparity between white and black, Asian or ethnic minority people. Each force will be looking at this carefully to assess and mitigate any risks of bias – conscious or unconscious – and to minimise disproportionate impact wherever possible. Many forces have brought in community representatives to help them scrutinise the circumstances around each Fixed Penalty Notice and if it has been issued fairly.

We are clear that no one should be subject to police enforcement on the basis of race alone and we work closely with forces and the NPCC to address disproportionality in policing.

Reticulating Splines