BAME people in Sussex over four times more likely to be fined for lockdown breaches

Black people and ethnic minorities are more than four times as likely to be fined for lockdown breaches than white people, new figures have revealed.
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An independent report by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has shown 18.5 BAME (black and minority ethnicity) people per 10,000 were fined for lockdown breaches in Sussex between March 27 and May 25.

Just 4.1 out of every 10,000 white people received fines.

The report follows disturbing statistics reported by this newspaper in June that showed black people are 12 times more likely to be stopped and searched than other ethnicities.

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 14: Black Lives Matter protesters rally at Westlake Park before marching through the downtown area on June 14, 2020 in Seattle, United States. Black Lives Matter events continue daily in the Seattle area in the wake of the death of George Floyd. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images) NNL-200615-092317001SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 14: Black Lives Matter protesters rally at Westlake Park before marching through the downtown area on June 14, 2020 in Seattle, United States. Black Lives Matter events continue daily in the Seattle area in the wake of the death of George Floyd. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images) NNL-200615-092317001
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 14: Black Lives Matter protesters rally at Westlake Park before marching through the downtown area on June 14, 2020 in Seattle, United States. Black Lives Matter events continue daily in the Seattle area in the wake of the death of George Floyd. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images) NNL-200615-092317001
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Sussex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, said racial disproportionality was being looked at on a national level but admitted the local force must continue to learn.

“On the face of it the figures are quite shocking,” she said.

“Clearly we don’t want to see any racial bias. We need to think about how we get better representation in the force and more diversity in terms of race, gender – a more diverse workforce.

“The more we can do to listen to different racial groups and how they feel about being policed is important.

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“The police’s strength is that we police with consent. They can only do it successfully when the public support them.”

The NPCC report found the majority of lockdown fines were given to non-residents of Sussex, as sun-seekers flocked to the coast to enjoy the balmy weather.

Of the 848 fines given over the two-month period, 466 were received by non-residents and visiting BAME people bore the brunt of the racial bias.

Non-residents of black and minority backgrounds were around six times more likely to be fined.

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BAME residents of Sussex were almost three times as likely to be fined than their white counterparts.

The treatment of black and minority ethnic groups by police has come under increased scrutiny in recent months amid protests and demonstrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The group was set up in the wake of repeated killings of unarmed black people by police in America and tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Sussex in solidarity.

Mrs Bourne said she welcomed the movement.

“It’s good that these things come along and shake the tree from time to time,” she said.

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“Whether you agree or not, they make people sit up and think. They make people reflect and that’s got to be a positive.

“That’s a healthy, positive thing.”

While Sussex Police has come under fire for perceived racial bias, it has been commended for its commitment to gender equality.

Having recently appointed Jo Shiner as its new Chief Constable, more than half of the senior leadership team on the force are now women.

Ms Shiner said the award was recognition of work to create a more inclusive workplace.

“By better reflecting the communities we serve, we can understand and serve them better,” she said.