PCC supports Stephen Lawrence Day
22nd April 2019
PCC supports Stephen Lawrence Day
For many, Easter is a time of family, togetherness and reflection – making it timely that the first annual Stephen Lawrence Day falls on Easter Monday – April 22.
This year is the first national day of commemoration for the teenager – who was murdered in a racially motivated attack in London in 1993.
It is one of the UK’s highest profile racially motivated murders and is often considered a watershed moment in race relations. In particular, it sparked debate about policing and racism.
The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust has since worked alongside the Government, campaigning to transform the lives of young people and championing for social change.
Northumbria Police is fully committed to increasing diversity and inclusion. Last year, with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, a Positive Action Team was established to develop, manage and coordinate initiatives to make the workforce as representative as possible of the communities it serves.
As a result, 20 candidates from BAME communities succeeded in the latest recruitment exercise – an almost 40 per cent increase in officers who currently identify as BAME.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “A lot has changed since the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence but there is undoubtedly still more progress to be made in broadening views, tolerance and understanding throughout society – as this commemorative day aims to achieve.
“There is certainly no place for racial hatred here in Northumbria and we are delighted that our efforts to make the Force more diverse are paying off – we will continue to build on this work, which benefits all our communities.”
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