Police officers being taught they have “white privilege” in new “equity training” is an “overcorrection” for past misdemeanours, according to Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
Lisa Townsend joined Martin Daubney on GB News to discuss Thames Valley Police’s training program which was introduced last September for all officers.
“I don’t think it’s fair to blame any individual force for this or any individual sort of chief constable or officers because I think this is something that’s actually coming from the top of policing”, she said.
Lisa Townsend criticised the training
GB NEWS / PA
“We’ve seen it now for quite a few years. Critical race theory, something we’ve been talking about relatively recent history, it’s been around for about 40 years.
“I think this is what we’re seeing now - this coming to the fore. We do see it right from the top.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Thames Valley Police rolled out the program last year
PAAsked if the decision came about as part of a “guilt complex”, she said: “I’ve called it an overcorrection.
“I think that’s exactly what it is, I do think it’s a massive piece of self-flagellation. When you look at the people who are the main proponents of it, we’re seeing a lot of it coming from middle class white men who seem to think that the answer to all of policing woes is to go through this self-flagellation process.
“Unfortunately, it serves absolutely nobody, least of all the communities they’re there to protect.”
The controversial training rollout came just one month after the employment tribunal ruling against the force.
Lisa Townsend joined Martin Daubney on GB News
GB NEWS
The tribunal case involved a detective inspector post that was not advertised but went to an Asian sergeant, despite warnings about legal risks of not holding a competitive process.
This was part of a "positive action" scheme designed to help ethnic minority officers gain experience needed for promotion through "lateral" moves.
The controversy at Thames Valley Police emerged around the same time West Yorkshire Police temporarily blocked applications from white British candidates to boost diversity.
A review conducted by former assistant chief constable Kerrin Wilson revealed significant tensions within the force.
White officers expressed "strong feelings of frustration" and felt "overlooked and undervalued".
A Thames Valley Police spokesman responded to the controversy, stating: "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."
The force added: "We are committed to learning from this employment tribunal and independent review to improve how we work together."
They concluded by emphasising their approach: "We strive to be fair and courageous in how we serve our colleagues and the community."
