Tensions Rise as UK Police Officers Are Taught About ‘White Privilege’ in Equity Training

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Tensions Rise as Police Officers Are Taught About ‘White Privilege’ in Equity Training

 

Thames Valley Police, one of the UK’s largest police forces, has introduced mandatory equity training that includes instruction on “white privilege,” “micro-aggressions,” and the distinction between being “non-racist” and “anti-racist.” This move has sparked internal controversy and accusations of discrimination within the force, particularly among white officers who feel unfairly treated following a recent employment tribunal ruling.

 

The training initiative was launched in September last year, just a month after the force was found guilty by an employment tribunal of discriminating against white officers. At the heart of the tribunal case was the appointment of an Asian sergeant to a detective inspector role that had not been publicly advertised. The decision was part of a “positive action” policy aimed at boosting the promotion chances of ethnic minority officers by laterally moving them into roles where they could gain experience. However, critics argue that the practice bypassed fair competition and violated principles of equal treatment.

 

 

The equity training has become a flashpoint within the force. A review commissioned by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber and conducted by former assistant chief constable Kerrin Wilson warns that framing white privilege in the way Thames Valley Police has done risks alienating white officers. Wilson noted that some officers felt “demonised” and saw the training as creating further division rather than unity. “As white males they felt disadvantaged and ... they had the perception that unfairness was allowed for minority groups but not for majority populations,” she wrote.

 

Wilson’s report also revealed deep discontent across the force. Some ethnic minority officers have reportedly lost faith in diversity initiatives, fearing their promotions or achievements would be dismissed as products of preferential treatment. “A number of minoritised staff have declared openly that they will not seek promotion or specialist moves in the foreseeable future as this has left them feeling that even if they did succeed in securing promotions their efforts would not be accepted by some as genuine,” the report stated.

 

The backlash among white officers has been equally strong, with some reacting “at times bordering on aggressive,” according to the review. Many are said to have demanded disciplinary action against leadership figures responsible for the positive discrimination and expressed a belief that they “have no support within the force.” The report cautions that unless this internal tension is addressed, relations within the police force could deteriorate further. “There is a tangible feeling of being overlooked which is reflected in the wider societal discourse that is emerging around the UK and so cannot be ignored,” the review concluded. “If this is not addressed, this may well lead to even greater divides within the force as cultural attitudes become more hostile.”

 

Rory Geoghegan, a former police officer and founder of the Public Safety Foundation, criticised the use of such training in policing. “Police officers and staff deserve far better from their leaders than to be crudely categorised by skin colour and subjected to reductive, divisive ideologies,” he said. “The independent review exposes this troubling practice, but it fails to identify or confront the underlying issue: the unthinking acceptance of critical race theory – a deeply political framework that has no place in an impartial police service.”

 

Thames Valley Police, responding to the concerns, stressed its commitment to unity and learning. A spokesperson said, “Our staff and officers represent a diverse group with a range of views on many issues – but it’s our shared values that bring us together to protect our communities. We are committed to learning from this employment tribunal and independent review to improve how we work together. We strive to be fair and courageous in how we serve our colleagues and the community.”

 

The controversy at Thames Valley Police comes amid broader concerns about similar practices elsewhere, including recent revelations that West Yorkshire Police temporarily paused applications from white British candidates in a push to diversify its ranks. As the national conversation on equity and representation continues, forces across the UK are grappling with how to balance diversity efforts with fairness and cohesion.

 

Based on a report by The Telegraph  2025-04-12

 

 

[JonnyF]

Gaslighting in the extreme.

 

Being white in Britain is a curse. No PSR before sentencing, excluded from certain jobs, back of the line for University places, mocked by the likes of Emily Thornberry, years in jail for social media posts, portrayed as evil in tv dramas. 

 

Privilige??? 😀