An atmosphere which “tolerates anti-Muslim feelings” exists within Greater Manchester Police, says a high-ranking Asian officer.
Inspector Asrar Ul-Haq made the claim during a race discrimination tribunal against GMP where he alleged he had been overlooked for promotion. After two days of evidence, the force settled and agreed to pay him compensation. But the M.E.N. can reveal there are at least three other officers currently pursuing race discrimination cases.
Charles Crichlow, the chairman of the Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA), said after the case the issue of institutional racism “remains largely unresolved”. It is almost ten years since former Chief Constable David Wilmot publicly acknowledged GMP had a problem with “institutionalised racism”.
Insp Ul-Haq, who has been a police officer for 23 years, took GMP to a tribunal claiming he was repeatedly passed over for promotion. He said he had passed all the necessary exams but had been rejected at the final interview stage three times while promotion opportunities were given to other officers who had not passed the exams.
Yousef Dar, chairman of the Greater Manchester Muslim Police Association, said: “It is disappointing that any officer or staff member has to resort to such measures in tackling inequality and discrimination.” Mr Crichlow added: “This case draws attention to the issue of institutional racism in the police service which, as the number of tribunals and complaints to BAPA suggest, remains largely unresolved.”