Local MP Maria Miller has called for greater transparency in Police Professional Standards Department, following media reports that an investigation was launched a year ago after officers and civilian staff in Hampshire Police Investigation Centre in Basingstoke were recorded making inappropriate and racist comments.
Maria said “I have seen the extraordinary work of our local police and vast majority of staff and officers do an excellent job for our community. The allegations of racist remarks are deeply concerning-there is no place for racism in any part of our community but particularly not the Police.
“It is particularly concerning that the investigation into these allegations of racism was launched a year ago and a total of 21 employees, including 16 officers and three civilian staff are under investigation with five suspended and 11 placed on restricted duties.
"20 years on from the Macpherson Report we need reassurance in Hampshire that the police have been taken forward these recommendations and are working.
“Our elected Police and Crime Commissioner has an important role in the local complaints system, and an explicit responsibility for ensuring its effectiveness in making police forces answerable to their community.
“All parts of the community of North Hampshire needs complete trust in the Police-racism can never be tolerated.”