Stephen Lawrence Day
On April 22, 1993, 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence from east London was brutally murdered in an unprovoked, racist attack. The case was badly handled by the police and the subsequent inquiry, known as the Macpherson Report, uncovered many failings including institutional racism and corruption. It not only led to major changes in policing throughout the UK but also brought to light the racism, corruption, misogyny and homophobia that was present right across our public services at the time.
From the awful tragedy of Stephen’s murder came the positive catalyst for change. Society in general, and policing in particular, has come a long way in the 32 years since his death. This is Stephen’s legacy. As we mark national Stephen Lawrence Day today, I have been considering how I can play my part in continuing this legacy and make a difference for our communities.
Stephen’s killers were motivated by hate. Prior to election I campaigned with a manifesto pledge to address hate crime in our communities. This commitment has a prominent place in my newly launched Police, Crime and Justice Plan. I am in the process of developing a strategy that aims to increase the confidence in communities to report issue to the police and, crucially, to improve the way that the police respond to hate-based crime. I want our communities to be places where everyone can live their lives as themselves, free from fear and harm. Where everyone treats each other with the values of acceptance, tolerance, and respect. When the behaviour of those who do not share these values crosses over into hate, we must take firm and appropriate action. This is one of the challenges of a growing and diverse population, and policing must rise to the challenge.
I know that residents have many different opinions about Gwent Police. These are often formed based on past experiences, good or bad, but can also be influenced by range of differences including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or location. What I know from speaking with so many people over the last year is that when residents receive an efficient, effective and above all professional service, when they feel they have been treated with respect, it builds their trust and confidence in their police force. This leads to more issues being reported, more intelligence gathered and, ultimately, to more crime prevented. Everyone gets a better service as a result.
We have the right to expect our police officers to act with the highest standards of behaviour, to use their powers proportionally and ethically, and to be accountable for their decision making. Ensuring that this is a focus for Gwent Police is a priority for me during my time in office. Chief Constable Mark Hobrough has repeatedly made it clear that this is also a key priority for him and his senior leadership team, and it is my job to hold him to account to ensure this is delivered. Over the next few months I will be introducing a new scrutiny and assurance programme that to ensure that this process is robust and that it is more transparent.
We have come so far in the last 32 years and we must continue this momentum. We must continue to work together to call out intolerance and hatred in our communities, to build trust and confidence between our residents and the police, and to ensure that our public institutions are delivering the best possible service to the highest possible standards. This is what I have committed to during my time in office and what I aim to deliver for the people of Gwent. This is Stephen’s legacy.