Racism: "time to speak out"

Chief constable says police will help demonstrators

As 'Black Live Matters' protests begin in Devon, the region's chief constable says the force will "help facilitate" vigils and demonstrations. On Thursday, two teenage girls in Barnstaple brought together scores of people to lie in the street for nine minutes, the length of time it took a white American police officer to kill George Floyd, who was black. On Saturday, a protest is due to be held at Flowerpot Fields in Exeter.

Devon and Cornwall's top cop Shaun Sawyer says: "This is a time for communities and individuals to overtly speak out in support of those from Black and Ethnic Minority communities, to reaffirm our collective rejection of racism and hate.

"The principles of neighbourhood policing were first established in this force by Chief Constable John Alderson and have been a golden thread of our policing style ever since. That is why, collectively as a force, we align ourselves with those who wish to express their feelings and community intention in a peaceful but clear manner.

"As a force, we ask that anyone organising a vigil or demonstration contact us in order that we can help facilitate that expression of feeling, which occurs at a time of a public health crisis. I believe it essential that the core message of standing up against hate and racism does not become lost by behaviours that may be commented upon in respect of Covid-19, when such a tragic and significant moment has affected so many people in this country and worldwide.

Racism and all forms of discrimination undermine our common humanity and are not acceptable in any civilised society. As a force, that is our approach yet we understand that we are not perfect and have always sought to listen and learn from experiences as well as the views of all our communities."