22-04-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Jane Mudd police and crime commissioner on racism
The Macpherson Inquiry into the case uncovered many failings by the police including institutional racism and corruption.
It led to major changes in policing throughout the UK and from the awful tragedy of Stephen's murder came the positive catalyst for change.
This is Stephen's legacy. As we mark National Stephen Lawrence Day this week, I have been considering how I can play my part in continuing this legacy and make a difference for our communities.
Stephen's killers were motivated by hate. My commitment to tackle hate crime has a prominent place in my newly launched Police, Crime and Justice Plan.
I want our communities to be places where everyone can live their lives as themselves, free from fear and harm. Where everyone treats each other with the values of acceptance, tolerance, and respect.
When the behaviour of those who do not share these values crosses over into hate, we must take firm and appropriate action. This is one of the challenges of a growing and diverse population, and policing must rise to the challenge.
I know from speaking with so many people over the last year that when residents receive an efficient, effective and above all professional service from the police, when they feel they have been treated with respect, it builds their trust and confidence in their police force.
This leads to more issues being reported, more intelligence gathered and, ultimately, to more crime prevented. Everyone gets a better service as a result.
We have the right to expect our police officers to act with the highest standards of behaviour, to use their powers proportionally and ethically, and to be accountable for their decision-making.
Ensuring that this is a focus for Gwent Police is a priority for me during my time in office. Chief Constable Mark Hobrough has repeatedly made it clear that this is also a key priority for him and his senior leadership team, and it is my job to hold him to account to ensure this is delivered.
We have come so far in the last 32 years since Stephen's death, and we must continue this momentum. We must continue to work together to call out intolerance and hatred in our communities, to build trust and confidence between our residents and the police, and to ensure that our public institutions are delivering the best possible service to the highest possible standards.
This is what I have committed to during my time in office and what I aim to deliver for the people of Gwent. This is Stephen's legacy.
