Police Minister Sarah Jones Criticises Anti-Racism Document After Henry Nowak Murder
Police Minister Sarah Jones has asserted that a National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) anti-racism commitment document 'gives the wrong impression', confirming it is under review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
This scrutiny follows the December murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak in Southampton. Body camera footage shows officers handcuffing Nowak, who repeatedly stated 'I can't breathe', after his attacker, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed to be a victim of a racist assault. Nowak was later informed he was being arrested for assault, despite appearing unresponsive.
Jones explained that the document, while official, is a 'values document' and likely does not form the basis of police training. She acknowledged a 'long history of racism within policing' and noted that the black community exhibits the least confidence in policing in the UK, is under-represented in the workforce, and is more frequently subjected to police use of force.
The NPCC's 'Police Anti-Racism Commitment', developed in response to its 2022 Police Race Action Plan, describes racial equity as 'producing equality of policing outcomes... by responding to individuals and communities according to their specific needs'. It explicitly states this 'does not mean treating everyone "the same" or being "colour blind"'.
Hundreds protested in Southampton following Nowak's murder, clashing with officers, resulting in two arrests. Judge William Mousley KC stated that Nowak's injuries were fatal regardless of medical intervention. Vickrum Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years. His mother, Kiran Kaur, was found guilty of assisting an offender, and his father, Moga Singh, and brother, Gurpreet, face weapons charges.
Three officers involved in the incident remain in service, while one has resigned. The police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has requested a review of the force's control room culture and officer training.
