More must be done to increase diversity and inclusion among West Yorkshire Police.

So says its Temporary Chief Constable (TCC) Dee Collins who was responding to the publication of the Home Affairs Select Committee report which has called for “urgent and radical” action.

TCC Collins said she was determined that the organisation should be more representative of the communities it serves.

As of March 31 the total number of West Yorkshire Police officers identifying themselves as black/minority ethnic was 237 out of total number of 4,353 officers. This includes one chief superintendent, three superintendents, five inspectors, 35 sergeants and 193 constables.

TCC Collins said: “We are currently recruiting police officers for the first time in five years and this gives us an excellent opportunity to increase our workforce, not just by people from black and minority ethnic communities, but from all diverse groups, such as people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.

“The police service has been in the media headlines a lot recently, often for negative reasons.

“My challenge to people who may be put off by that is come and find out what West Yorkshire Police is about in 2016.

West Yorkshire Deputy Chief Constable Dee Collins
West Yorkshire Deputy Chief Constable Dee Collins

“A career with West Yorkshire Police offers genuinely exciting opportunities, but we can only properly serve all our communities by building a truly representative force and I am determined to do that.”

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson added: “I have worked with the Temporary Chief Constable to ensure we are doing all we can to ensure communities are aware of my commitment to equality and diversity within the organisation and in the police service.

“I have and continue to encourage applications from all under-represented groups and ensure our recruitment campaign is shared as widely as possible with key community leaders across West Yorkshire.”

TCC Collins, who gave evidence before the Home Affairs Select Committee added: “It is fair criticism to say that the service has generally struggled to increase representation, both in terms of recruitment and retention of officers.

“As we are now recruiting 600 officers it is an ideal opportunity to make progress.

“I urge communities and individuals to help us make that difference.”