From: Pat Gravell

Date: 27 June 2007 19:24:08 BDT

If John Steward really doesn't know why the Black Police Associationis funded then he needs to read Lord Scarman's report about the Brixtonriots.

The riots were largely attributed to the resentment by black youths towards white police officers who had singled them out to stop and search, they rightly or wrongly felt harassed. Lord Scarman recommended that the police should recruit more officers from black and ethnicminority groups so that they were more representative of the communities they served.

Police forces have been given BME recruitment targets, which have led to accusations against some police forces of illegal race discrimination in the selection process in an attempt to meet those targets. Paying for a Black Police Association is aimed at trying to support and retain officers who have already been recruited and is less discriminatory.

Whilst any financial support aimed solely at BME groups appears disciminatory the amounts involved are a drop in the ocean compared to the financial and social costs of the large scale rioting, damage and looting that took place in Brixton. Over 300 people were injured and 83 premises and 23 vehicles were damaged at an estimated cost of 7.5 million pounds.

If John Steward has any better ideas of how to recruit and retain BMEpolice officers which are completely non discriminatory then he shouldspeak out.  I would rather my tax was spent on the Black PoliceAssociation than on putting right the wanton damage caused by rioting.