Two hundred applications from white men to Avon and Somerset police are to be reconsidered after the force contravened rules by removing them from the recruitment process.

Dr Moira Hamlin, chair of the Avon and Somerset Police Authority, said in a statement that pre-eminent Counsel found the force ‘contravened the rules’ by de-selecting 200 white male applicants in last year’s round of recruitment.

Dr Hamlin said: “The underlying factor behind all this has been a desire to have a police force establishment which more accurately reflects the community it services.

“In 2003 Avon and Somerset Constabulary had the lowest percentage of female
officers in England and Wales.

“It is clear that existing methods of recruitment were not working in terms of
bringing in more women and people from black and minority ethnic groups and new ways had to be found to encourage more people from these under-represented groups.

“It has become clear that the force’s approach of using the Disability
Discrimination Act as a model during this recruitment process was not
appropriate.

The announcement was based on expert advice from Counsel. The law will not be -*test*-('")ed in the courts as the chief constable does not want to ‘waste public money’, said Dr Hamlin

“Since Colin Port became chief constable the force has made significant strides forward in terms of performance, and by using positive action has seen an encouraging rise in the number of female officers joining.”

“Our priority now is to work with the chief constable to ensure that there is a recruitment process in place for the future which is transparent, robust and best serves the needs of all our communities,” she added.

'Positive action' - racial discrimination more like.

i'm with orinoco on this one!!

I agree, just because they're white doesn't mean they cant be treated he same as the rest.

Positive discrimination doesn't work, look at the states, affirmative action, the best qualified and best suitable person for the job doesn't get it its a person who is lesser able for the job getting in because of skin colour. It ruined some professions because of unskilled employees. Who ever best suits the job should get in regardless of skin colour

Positive discrimination is STILL positive discrimination