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Mark Hammond, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“The Commission is very concerned by the conclusions of the IPCC’s findings in today’s report examining how the Metropolitan Police Service deals with allegations of racism or discrimination. The report clearly highlights some serious concerns about people from black and ethnic minorities being treated unfairly by the police. We know from our own work with several police forces on stop and search that this can have a negative impact on community relations.

“The Commission has been in close contact with the IPCC and will be discussing the findings of the report and what actions should be taken. We are also in touch with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, and hope to meet shortly to discuss action to be taken to follow up the findings of this report and further work with the EHRC on stop and search.

For further information please contact the media office on 0161 829 8102, out of hours 07767 272 818.

Notes to editors

1.  Stop and Think Again, which showed how the Commission worked with five police forces to improve their use of stop and search Stop and Think Again is available at - http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/key-projects/race-in-britain/stop-and-think-again/ The report shows the different forms of action the Commission can take to help organisations improve their practices. For example, the Commission entered into a formal legal agreement with two of the forces to reduce their unfair use of stop and search.
2.  The Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006.  It took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights. The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act.  It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.