There has been considerable debate about the extent of racism within the British police, and the police have been subject to criticism for their dealings with, and their attitudes and responses to, minority ethnic communities. In the UK riots in the summer of 2011 the alleged racist use of police powers was again called into question.
The racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993 was a major catalyst for significant change in British policing. Lawrence was murdered by five white youths in an unprovoked racist attack, but for many years no one was convicted of the crime. His parents skilfully used the media in their campaign for justice. A full public inquiry into the killing was eventually chaired by Sir William Macpherson in 1999. His report showed that the initial police response to the incident was too slow and the manner in which the murder investigation was carried out demonstrated serious shortcomings.
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