THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POLICING AND DIVERSITY

JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE SIKH HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP

Conference details

Believing that the police is usually at the cutting edge of dealing with diverse communities, this conference will examine the evolving challenges and different approaches developed by Police Forces. It will also promote exchange of information and encourage adoption of best practices between the various metropolitan police forces from five major countries. The proposed topics are:

Day One: THE CHANGING METROPOLIS, CHALLENGES

1. A BRIEF COMPOSITION OF THE VARIOUS COMMUNITIES AND PRACTICES THAT CHALLENGE ROUTINE POLICING
A brief introduction to the demography of the metropolis and the cultural practices that challenge routine policing.

2. MUTUAL SUSPICION AND HOSTILITY
Historical dissensions between communities, racism, exclusion, and marginalisation that affect attitudes towards the police. Police perceptions that influence policing.

3. DIFFERENT PERCEPTIONS OF THE LAW
The conflicts between individual rights and traditions of group rights. Crimes of passion and honour. Drug culture. Migrant communities may be used to indifference to law, corruption and political interference. What impact does this have?

4. SENSITIVE POLICING, DOES IT HELP?
Has sensitive policing really helped to deal with diversity or is it political correctness?

5. PREJUDICE AND DIVERSITY WITHIN THE FORCE AND POLICING
Prejudices within police forces, both overt and covert. Institutional racism and its effects on policing. Do police forces reflect the diversity of communities?

6. NEW GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Global terrorism is dependent on global contacts for moral and financial support. Policing this without upsetting communities. Dealing with Antiglobalisation activism.

Day Two: PRACTICE, DELIVERING THE PEACE

7. METHODS ADOPTED IN POLICING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES
i.e. Community Policing : Broad policy methods adopted.

8. EXAMPLES OF DEALING WITH RACE, CULTURE AND RELIGION
Specific examples of dealing with diverse communities.

9. RIOTS AND CIVIL DISTURBANCES
Policing communal riots and civil disturbances without bias.

10.TERRORISM, THE NEW CHALLENGE IN DEALING WITH DIVERSITY
Practical steps to deal with threats of local and global terrorism without creating tensions between communities and the police.

11. TRAINING PROGRAMMES, VALUE AND PROBLEMS
Different training methods adopted by various police forces.

SHORTCOMINGS AND TENSIONS AND FUTURE COOPERATION

CONCLUDING REMARKS By the organisers and the Chief of Police present.

-----------------------------------------