DORSET Police’s chief constable has apologised for “institutional racism” within the county force. 

Amanda Pearson said black people are “over-policed, under-protected, under-represented" in Dorset resulting in “more negative experiences”. 

She said black people have told her force that “for far too long that we have not been getting this right” when it comes to policing. 

Several reviews were commissioned as a result looking at what the workforce and what black communities have said. 

Mrs Pearson said in an open letter: “I therefore am writing to acknowledge institutional racism within our organisation.”

She added she “hand on heart” does not believe she is leading a force where the majority of staff or officers are “overtly or intentionally” racist. 

But she said something must be done to address the concerns. 

She said: “I apologise on behalf of Dorset Police for where trauma and harm has been and continues to be caused to black people and communities as a consequence. 

“I see this decision as an important step in accepting and acknowledging where we are as an organisation.  

“I want to thank those of you who are already working with us to improve our understanding of why this is the case and shape what we will do to make meaningful change.  

“We are listening and will strive to do better.” 

She said there are several ways in which the “racism” is being written out of the force, including with the launch of the Dorset Police Race Action Plan and an inclusive leadership programme. 

The chief constable added: “I am committed to this work being meaningful to our communities, as well as our workforce, so we will be publishing regular updates on our progress and I will ensure this is circulated to community leaders. 

“The police and crime commissioner and I have discussed my decision at length – he supports this position, and I will be keeping him updated on this work as it progresses. 

“We know we have a long way to go and this will take time, but we cannot do this alone, so I encourage you to work alongside us to help the force achieve its ambition.” 

According to the Home Office, Dorset Police conducted 112 stop and searches on black people in the year to March – equivalent to 21.1 per 1,000 black people in the area. 

This is in comparison to a rate of 2.2 per 1,000 white people in Dorset, meaning black people were 9.8 times more likely to be subject to a stop-and-search.