Policing and Progress: From Mistrust to More Trust?

Started in 2020 in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) was introduced to rebuild trust between Black communities and the police. With every Chief Constable committed to its objectives, it stands as the largest coordinated policing effort to address racial issues. Initially, progress was slow due to budget constraints, disorganisation, and inconsistencies in implementation across different forces. However, at a recent conference, Chief Superintendent Sarah Johnson shared positive developments within the initiative.

The plan is structured around four key work streams aimed at improving policing for Black communities: representation in policing, ensuring fair use of police powers, community engagement, and protection. These areas address longstanding issues, from under-representation in the force to failures in authority that have led to unfair treatment.

As a mixed-race student, I feel it is important to expand on PRAP’s work with young people, particularly given my own mistrust of the UK police. An encounter with law enforcement can make anyone’s heart race, and unfortunately, one negative experience can be enough to erode trust entirely. Listening to Sarah’s insights, however, has planted a seed of hope in my usually anxious tummy when it comes to discussions regarding policing.

She emphasised the PRAP’s efforts to engage with schools and universities, creating spaces where young people can communicate or formally raise concerns about past negative interactions with the police. Much like therapy, this initiative offers a route toward rebuilding trust. However, she acknowledged that poor encounters may still occur, as not every officer is actively working toward repairing these fractured relationships.

What stood out to me was the emphasis on education and communication. By learning their rights, young Black people can better recognise when an interaction is unjust and access tools that might help them navigate similar situations in the future. Unfortunately, not every young person in the UK will have the opportunity to engage with an officer who is committed to fairer policing, meaning many will continue to view law enforcement with suspicion, particularly when past trauma shapes their perspective.

This is why Sarah’s mention of the grassroots initiative ‘Hope Hack’ felt particularly significant. While working in partnership with PRAP, Hope Hack is led by young people for young people, providing a space to debate and develop solutions to racial inequalities—without requiring direct engagement with the police. This ensures that those who are uncomfortable interacting with law enforcement can still participate in conversations and drive change in ways that feel safe to them.

Let’s be honest, the UK’s police force is far from perfect and as the PRAP itself acknowledges, delivering real change for black communities requires “concerted effort”. However, during this difficult time of right-wing racialised politics, I write this to offer a glimmer of hope - for myself and for all readers who might’ve suffered anxiety in a police encounter. A reminder that progress, however gradual, is still possible.