NEWS

BBC exposes racist UK police

By Shyam Bhatia in London
October 22, 2003 14:18 IST

Racism among police recruits in the United Kingdom has been exposed following a BBC sting operation.

Seven recruits and an officer were identified as making racist remarks in The Secret Policeman, a BBC documentary that was made using Tehelka-style techniques.

Reporter Mark Daly joined the Greater Manchester Police as a trainee and secretly filmed recruits at the Bruche National Training Centre in Warrington, Cheshire.

He also stayed in contact with several after they rejoined their respective forces to see whether their views were carried on to the street.

One recruit is seen wearing a Ku Klux Klan-style hood while fantasising about attacking an officer of Pakistani origin.

The recruit, who was in Daly's room at the centre, said, 'I haven't even f***ing started with him yet. He'll regret the day he was born a Paki.'

Asked by Daly to explain his ultimate aim, the recruit added, 'To eradicate the whole f***ing country of people like him.'

Another officer talked about murdering the Asian man. 'I'd kill him. I'd pull my f***ing hood on my head and chase him down the road.'

Policemen are also heard describing the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence as a 'good memory' and calling his parents 'f***ing spongers.' They also suggest his white killers should be given 'diplomatic immunity.'

One officer is heard saying that Hitler 'had the right idea.'

Three Greater Manchester Police officers and an officer from the North Wales constabulary were suspended before the programme was broadcast Tuesday night.

Home Secretary David Blunkett criticised the documentary and questioned the BBC's 'intent to create, not report' the story.

Executive Producer Simon Ford said. 'This documentary provides evidence for the first time that officers on the street are racist. We wanted to test whether enforcement of the law was being influenced by racial prejudice. I believe we have got to the heart of canteen culture.'

Daly said on Tuesday night: 'The selection procedures and training have absolutely failed to root these guys out. It did not take long for their views to surface. The selection procedure should be looked at again.'

He described the racists as 'a little underground clique, always looking for new members,' and added: 'They came with views and not only were the views not challenged, they were nurtured. They felt encouraged and by the time they got on the street they felt at home.'

Daly was arrested last August after the police received a tip-off that an undercover journalist had joined the force.

Daly, charged of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by damaging police property and deception, is due to answer bail next month.

The BBC said the pay he received has been kept in a bank and will be returned to the force at the end of the investigation.

It also offered to pay for damage caused to Daly's bullet-proof vest, which was altered to hold a pinhole camera and battery pack.

Shyam Bhatia in London

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