Complaint of racial profiling when Cambridgeshire Constabulary stopped man in Ely

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has started an independent investigation into a complaint of racial profiling when Cambridgeshire Constabulary stopped and questioned a man in Ely in 2015.

On 8 June 2020 Cambridgeshire Constabulary received a complaint on behalf of a man who was stopped by Cambridgeshire Constabulary in Ely on 7 March 2015. A video of the incident appears to show a police officer telling the complainant that he had stopped him due to him being black.

The complainant was not searched or arrested.

The video was shared on social media and referred to the Cambridgeshire Constabulary Professional Standards Department who assessed it and subsequently referred the matter to IOPC. We have assessed the matter as requiring independent investigation.

IOPC regional director Sal Naseem said:

“We are aware of concerns around the disproportionate use of police powers against young black men. Although this incident is from five years ago it has raised concerns about public confidence in policing.

“To provide community assurance, it is important we independently investigate this matter.”

“We will be investigating the circumstances of this stop, whether the actions of the officers were appropriate and proportionate and followed approved police policies and if racial discrimination played a part in the incident.”

Anyone who is unhappy about something that happened to them that involves the police can make a complaint to contact the police force involved. Police force websites include information about how to complain. People can also complain in writing, by telephoning 101 or visiting any police station.