Did police anti-racism policies lead to appalling treatment of Henry Nowak and if not, what did?

Riot police line up during a protest attended by far-right figures in Southampton on Tuesday. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Riot police line up during a protest attended by far-right figures in Southampton on Tuesday. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images Explainer Did police anti-racism policies lead to appalling treatment of Henry Nowak and if not, what did? Analysis of evidence and interviews with experts suggests focus by rightwing critics on race misses reality of police failures As the row over the police handling of the stabbing of Henry Nowak by Vickrum Digwa continues, critics on the right have suggested that a preoccupation with anti-racism played a significant role in the failure by officers at the scene to properly assess what had happened – and resulted in the appalling treatment of Nowak as he lay dying. Criticisms have focused in particular on a document published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) last year, the police anti-racism commitment . Critics have also claimed that there is a broader sense that the police’s instincts are now to side against white people whenever there is any doubt. But an analysis of the evidence and interviews with policing experts suggest this account misses crucial aspects of the circumstances that led to a devastating set of failures. What does the police chiefs' document say and why is it controversial? The police anti-racism commitment was produced as part of the police race action plan. But it is not widely known: even some of those who worked closely on it have never heard of it. It summarises what police chiefs will do to end racial bias. The part that has become controversial this week says: “It does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’ (racial equality).” The home secretary has said she believes the phrasing is “clumsy”. What it is supposed to mean, said one person with knowledge of police thinking on the matter, is that officers should take into account the context and historic experience of different groups with policing. Someone who is Jewish may need reassurance that police are taking a claim of criminal damage seriously and that hate will be considered as a motive, for instance. A black person may need particular reassurance that a stop and search is for legitimate reasons and not racially motivated. Ministers accept the document was not sent to officers to act on, but regardless it gives the wrong impression. Sarah Jones, the policing minister, said: “I don’t think it forms the basis of any training or any police activity. We think the language is wrong, it gives the wrong impression. But I don’t think it affects how our training is done.” The NPCC made clear the document was not formal policy or training for officers. One source went further, saying few senior officers, never mind those on the front line, would know it existed, let alone be guided by it. What other policies shape how police treat claims of racia