HC Deb 11 November 1997 vol 300 cc461-2W
Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the staffing complement of the P2 branch of the Metropolitan Police service's equal opportunities unit; and if he will make a statement on its current level of staffing. [15024]

Mr. Michael

The Commissioner informs me that there are five staff allocated to the Equal Opportunities Unit in the Metropolitan Police, P2 branch. I am told that the Unit is not carrying any vacancies and that the current level of staffing is considered appropriate to the work of the branch.

Police strength, England and Wales, 31 March 1997 (excluding secondments)
Rank Male Female White Black Asian Other Total
Number Per cent. Number Per cent. Number Per cent. Number Per cent. Number Per cent. Number Per cent.
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Ranks 184 94.8 10 5.2 193 99.5 0 — 1 0.5 0 — 194
Superintendent 1,248 96.9 40 3.1 1,286 99.8 1 0.1 1 0.1 — — 1,288
Chief Inspector 1,611 95.6 74 4.4 1,675 99.4 5 0.3 2 0.1 3 0.2 1,684

The Unit has some administrative responsibilities and advises senior managers and personnel managers in the Metropolitan Police on matters concerning equal opportunities and fairness relating both to police and civil staff. I am told that the Unit does not itself investigate cases. Investigations are carried out by the Complaints Investigation Bureau or Area Complaints Investigation Branches.

The responsibility for ensuring equality of opportunity through the Metropolitan Police rests with all members of the Service.