Racism has been overlooked by UK police forces for far too long.

The issue of racism within the police force is a deep-rooted problem that has been ignored and institutionalized for far too long, according to Michael. As he watched the video sent to him by Black tradesman Josh King, the same pain he had experienced in the past resurfaced. Josh had been stopped and dragged out of his car by white police officers, simply because the car he was driving was deemed too nice for a Black man. This kind of generational trauma is still being fueled by an inherently racist police force.

So when the Police Race Action Plan was announced in 2020, it was met with skepticism and disappointment by Michael. He had seen similar initiatives come and go without any real progress being made. The plan was meant to address the lack of trust and confidence in policing among Black communities, but it was clear that it was just another document filled with empty promises.

The plan was supposed to involve the Black community in the journey towards a more inclusive and anti-racist police force. But as Michael attended the rollout meetings, it was evident that it was just a box-ticking exercise for the police commissioners. The plan was deemed groundbreaking, but it lacked any real substance and was just another attempt to appease the public.

Michael, who has experience working in government communications, recognized the use of buzzwords like "root and branch" that are often used to create the illusion of progress without any real change. And as he listened to the seasoned cops struggle to even say the word "racism," it was clear that this plan was going nowhere fast.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley's refusal to accept the Metropolitan Police's institutional racism, despite the findings of the Baroness Casey report, was a major red flag for Michael. It was just another indication that the Police Race Action Plan was doomed from the start. And the recent report by the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, which called for the government to intervene, only confirmed Michael's doubts.

The lack of progress and the toxic working environment for Black police officers within the force, as highlighted by the National Black Police Association, only adds to the urgency of addressing this issue. Black people are still disproportionately targeted and mistreated by the police, whether it's through strip-searches, restraint, or even death.

For real change to happen, there needs to be a radical intervention within the police force. The current hierarchy and rank system only perpetuates a resistance to reform and change. Michael believes that police chiefs should be held accountable for their lack of progress and that the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board should have more power to implement the necessary changes.

But ultimately, it is Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley's denial of institutional racism and his ignorance towards the issue that hinders any real progress. Until he is removed from his position, the Police Race Action Plan will continue to be just another empty promise. The only way to truly address this issue is through community awareness, engagement, support, and trust. And until then, Black people like Michael and Josh will continue to be targeted by the police simply because they do not fit the stereotype of what a Black person is supposed to look like.

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