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The National Black Police Association (NBPA), representing 6,000 Black and Asian officers and staff across UK forces, has issued a grave warning that new rules proposed by police chiefs could effectively "silence" officers of colour and prevent them from challenging systemic racism and policy failures.
The draft guidance, championed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), aims to prohibit police staff associations—including the NBPA and those representing other religious or minority groupings—from making public statements that could be "construed to be political."
The NBPA fears this sweeping rule could be used to shut down commentary on essential race-related policing matters, such as:
* The disproportionate use of stop and search on Black communities.
* Criticism of police use of force rules.
* The effects of future government policy on policing and race.
Insp Andy George, President of the NBPA, strongly alleged that the move risks creating a "damaging double standard." He argued that while senior police leaders and the Police Federation—the body representing rank-and-file officers—are free to speak out against allegations of racism or to praise/criticise the government, the NBPA and other minority associations would be unfairly constrained.
The NBPA's existence is predicated on challenging chiefs on key issues and advocating for Black and Asian officers whom they argue are often poorly defended by the Police Federation in misconduct and discrimination cases. The proposed restriction is seen as a direct attack on this crucial role, preventing BAME officers from speaking truth to power within an institution that has faced repeated accusations of institutional racism.
The concerns come amid sustained criticism that police chiefs’ efforts to tackle discrimination, including the Police Race Action Plan (which the NBPA briefly boycotted in 2024 citing a lack of progress), have achieved "little or nothing" despite years of promises. The NPCC defended the proposals, stating they are not "targeted at any organisation" but are intended to establish "consistency of governance" across all staff networks, following recommendations from the policing inspectorate.
The NBPA is simultaneously in talks with the Home Office to gain formal or statutory status, a clear sign of their determination to secure an independent and protected platform for their members—officers dedicated to upholding the law while fighting for equality within their own ranks.
