An independent view: rebuilding trust and confidence in policing within minority communities
We hear from PhD candidate and lecturer in Professional Policing, Mike McKue, who gives his views on how policing can build trust in minority communities.
To understand the current situation between minority communities and policing in the UK, we must first examine the historical context. In the UK, the legacy of colonialism and the over-policing of Black and Asian communities during the 20th century have left lasting scars. These historical injustices have created a legacy of mistrust. For many minority communities, the police are not seen as protectors but as oppressors1. This perception is reinforced by contemporary issues such as racial profiling, disproportionate use of force, and the overrepresentation of minorities in the criminal justice system2,3,4. One key example is stop and search statistics. In 2022 -23, the rate for stop and search was 4.1 times higher for people identifying as Black or Black British compared to those from a white ethnic group5 (Figure 1). Those who were stop and searched often considered it a negative and traumatic experience6. Until these historical and systemic issues are acknowledged and addressed, rebuilding trust will remain an elusive goal.
Figure 1. Stop and searches per 1,000 population, by self-defined ethnicity or officer-defined ethnicity*, England and Wales, 2020/21 to 2023/244
Obtained from: Race Discrimination report - November 2024 | Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) under the Open Government License v3.0.
* Home Office data states self-defined ethnicity was ‘not stated’ for approximately one in every five searches of people. Where the self-defined ethnicity of the person searched is not stated, officer-observed ethnicity is used instead. This reduces the proportion of stops with unknown ethnicity from 19.3% to 1.6%.
In recent years, the relationship between law enforcement and minority communities has often been fraught with tension and mistrust7. Within UK policing, high-profile incidents of police brutality, racial profiling, and systemic inequities have exacerbated these divisions8. To illustrate this, the average trust in police across the UK is 68%, however, for black Caribbean populations this rate falls to 54%9.
Yet, the path to reconciliation, though challenging, is not insurmountable. By addressing historical grievances, implementing cultural awareness training, and fostering genuine community engagement, policing can evolve into a system that truly serves and protects all citizens equitably.
One critical step in bridging the divide is the implementation of comprehensive cultural awareness training for officers. Traditional police training often focuses on tactical skills and legal knowledge but neglects the importance of understanding the communities officers serve. Cultural awareness training seeks to fill this gap by educating officers about the history, traditions, and challenges faced by minority communities10,11.
Such training should go beyond superficial diversity workshops. It must delve into the systemic inequities that have shaped these communities, the implicit biases that officers may carry, and the ways in which policing practices can perpetuate harm. For example, understanding the trauma caused by racial profiling or the impact of over-policing in minority neighborhoods can help officers approach their duties with greater empathy and sensitivity.
Cultural awareness training should be an ongoing process, as research has shown that one-off events have fleeting effects11,12. Regular refreshers and advanced courses can help officers stay attuned to the evolving needs of the communities they serve. This training should also be integrated into broader police reform efforts, such as revising use-of-force policies and improving accountability mechanisms. This training should look at how best to reduce racial disparity, stop and search and TASER reduction, along with building engagement with communities and how building trust is a priority.
There are steps being taken by some forces in England and Wales to address the issues of cultural awareness, both from an educational route via the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) and training of police officers. Leeds Trinity University, engages with faith institutions across the district via their Building Bridges event. Students on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), have engaged with religious leaders across the district, to give them a firsthand insight into local beliefs and traditions whilst developing cultural awareness that links to effective policing and community engagement. This is a positive step towards fostering stronger relationships between the police and diverse communities. This links into the Police Race Action Plan13 (PRAP) that was created in 2022 to encourage forces to reconsider training and continuous professional development for officers, which can realign trust and confidence. Social media can also provide a good digital platform to address and signpost, whilst delivering to a larger audience.
Genuine trust can only be built through sustained and meaningful community engagement. Too often, police-community interactions are limited to moments of crisis or conflict. To rebuild trust, policing must adopt a proactive approach that prioritizes relationship-building and collaboration.
One effective strategy is the establishment of community policing programs. These initiatives involve officers working closely with community members to identify and address local concerns. By fostering open lines of communication and demonstrating a commitment to solving problems collaboratively, community policing can help shift the perception of law enforcement from an external force to a partner in public safety.
Another key aspect of community engagement is transparency. Minority communities are often skeptical of law enforcement due to a lack of accountability for misconduct4. Body Worn Cameras (BWC) are in place in many forces in the UK, although there are still some forces who do not have BWC. Such as Police Scotland, where some areas still have no access to BWC14. Independent oversight boards15, and public reporting of police activities can help build confidence that officers are held to high standards of conduct.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies should actively seek input from minority communities when developing policies and practices. Town hall meetings, focus groups, and partnerships with local organizations can provide valuable insights into the unique needs and concerns of these communities. By involving residents in decision-making processes, police can demonstrate a genuine commitment to equity and inclusion.
In the UK, the Metropolitan Police Service and other forces have implemented initiatives and recommendations from the Independent Office for Police Conduct16 and the Lammy Review, which aim to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system. These efforts have included increased transparency, with the police being more open and forthcoming with the public, especially around policy, procedures, actions and subsequent performance data17. Community outreach, and targeted recruitment of officers from underrepresented backgrounds have also improved18.
Rebuilding trust is not a quick fix but a long-term process that requires dedication at all levels of law enforcement. While the challenges are significant, there are examples of successful efforts to rebuild trust between police and minority communities. In Camden, New Jersey, the police department was disbanded and rebuilt with a focus on community-oriented policing. Officers underwent extensive training in de-escalation and cultural competency, and the department prioritised building relationships with residents. As a result, crime rates dropped, and trust in law enforcement increased19.
By investing in cultural awareness training, prioritising community engagement, and embracing transparency and accountability, police can begin to rebuild trust that has been eroded over decades. This is evident across many police forces who are connecting with external training providers to deliver cultural awareness training20. For community members, the challenge is to remain engaged and hold law enforcement accountable while also being open to dialogue and collaboration.
Ultimately, the goal is not just to repair a broken relationship but to create a new paradigm of policing, one that is rooted in justice, equity, and mutual respect. The journey will be difficult, but the destination of a safer, more just society is worth every step.
Mike McKue is a lecturer in Professional Policing within the school of Criminology, Sociology and Policing at the University of Hull. He has 23 years of experience as a practitioner and in professional accredited practice as a police officer. He is currently a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a PhD student addressing the area of ‘Trust, Confidence and Legitimacy in police and rebuilding and repairing the barriers within the community’.
