GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) have launched a new offensive in the fight against racism.

The crackdown against all forms of discrimination is aimed at providing a major push to the work of the force in ensuring people from ethnic and other minority groups are treated fairly and according to their needs.

Just weeks ago, Greater Manchester County Fire Service announced they were actively seeking to increase the number of recruits drawn from ethnic minorities.

Now, GMP's "Operation Catalyst", launched yesterday, will be a 12-month drive to improve relationships with the community.

The force aims to lead the UK in tackling discrimination.

"Operation Catalyst" is being spearheaded by Chief Constable David Wilmot, who has pledged to make GMP an anti-racist force.

More than 150 people from police stations, community groups, local councils and other organisations all over Greater Manchester joined Mr Wilmot at a special community briefing on Thursday, August 26. They will be given information as well as being asked for their views on the new initiative.

Mr Wilmot said: "Discrimination is one of the most important issues facing the police service, and GMP, in the late 20th century.

"We are wholly committed to the principle of anti-discrimination and the need to treat people fairly and according to their needs."

The objectives include: -

Increasing positive action to alleviate the suffering of those victimised by racists.

Increasing the number of people from ethnic minorities joining the force and being promoted.

Working in partnership with other organisations to deter, reduce and eradicate race and hate crime.

Ensuring all racially-motivated crimes are investigated without discrimination and with sensitivity to the culture of anyone involved.

Ensuring police monitor, investigate and address any evidence of discriminatory behaviour or language by police officers or support staff.

The Chief Constable concluded: "GMP is already ahead in a lot of the areas highlighted by the Lawrence Inquiry, such as murder reviews, but we will continually seek to improve the confidence the community has in Greater Manchester Police and the service we offer."

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