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Police Minister Sarah Jones has expressed concern that a police anti-racism commitment may create a misleading impression. This statement comes as senior police officials agree to reassess the guidance following the fatal stabbing of Henry Nowak. The incident, which occurred in Southampton last December, involved bodycam footage capturing officers handcuffing the 18-year-old student. During the encounter, Nowak repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe,” after his attacker, Vickrum Digwa, falsely accused him of a racist assault.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently examining a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) document that outlines a commitment to racial equality in policing. The document emphasizes that achieving equal policing outcomes does not imply treating every individual identically or adopting a “colour blind” approach. However, Jones characterized the document as a brief values statement rather than the foundation for specific training or police actions. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, she said, “This particular document is a sort of values document, it’s quite a short document and I don’t think it forms the basis of any training or any police activity.”
Jones acknowledged that while the NPCC guidance is official, its language “gives the wrong impression” and is under review. She stressed the importance of listening and learning from such severe incidents while recognizing the historical presence of racism within policing. The case itself has drawn significant attention: Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for fatally stabbing Nowak as he returned to his student accommodation in Essex. Notably, the bodycam footage includes an officer questioning Nowak about his injury while simultaneously expressing disbelief: “You’ve been stabbed, whereabouts?” followed by, “Don’t think you have, mate.” Despite Nowak’s pleas and visible distress, he was handcuffed and later informed he was under arrest for assault.
On the broader issue of policing and community relations, Jones highlighted long-standing challenges. She noted that black communities in the UK have the lowest confidence levels in the police, are underrepresented within the force, and experience disproportionate use of police force. She emphasized that these realities are incorporated into police training, which aims to foster awareness of racism’s historical context and ongoing impact. When asked whether this training influenced the handling of Nowak’s case, Jones stated that it was part of the IOPC’s investigation to uncover all relevant facts. Meanwhile, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that three officers involved remain in service while one has resigned. Additionally, the police and crime commissioner for the region has called for a thorough review of the police control room’s culture and the training related to emergency response for such incidents. Family members of Digwa have also faced legal proceedings: his father and brother appeared in court on weapons charges, being released on unconditional bail, while his mother has been found guilty of assisting an offender and awaits sentencing
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