Guest blog: Desmond Brown reflects on the 32nd anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder ‘Unfulfilled Promises and Persistent Disparities’

Desmond Brown MBE, is a colleague of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), employed by the office between 2019 and 2022 to independently chair a review and write a report into race disproportionality in the criminal justice system in Avon and Somerset.

Desmond also volunteers as Chair of the Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel (ISoPPP) and member of the Tackling Disproportionality Independent Scrutiny Board – monitoring and advising on the work to tackle race disparity in the criminal justice system.

Below, Desmond reflects on the 32nd anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder:

Unfulfilled Promises and Persistent Disparities

“Stephen Lawrence’s murder in 1993 still serves as a searing reminder of the deep-seated racial prejudices that have long plagued UK policing. While much has been said about the transformation initiated by the Macpherson Report and subsequent reforms, the question remains as to whether systemic change has truly penetrated UK policing. Persistent shortcomings and evidence of superficial reform prompt a sobering question: are we genuinely addressing the legacy of injustice, or are the changes mere cosmetic adjustments?

“Avon and Somerset Police, under the Chief Constable, made headlines when Sarah Crew acknowledged in 2023 that the force was “institutionally racist”.  Such an admission had mixed reviews from serving ASP offices, although well received by communities most impacted by the persistent disparities within the force region, understanding that without naming the problem it is impossible to address it. The Chief Constables genuine acknowledgment was intended to be a line in the sand, marking a turning point in galvanising meaningful reform. Yet, while initiatives like the new stop and search policy and the “Chance to Change” deferred prosecution scheme have been heralded as progressive by ASP, they fall short of confronting the root causes of racial bias. Data continues to reveal that Black communities are still disproportionately affected by stop and search measures, raising doubts about whether these policies are genuinely transformative or simply designed to placate public scrutiny without dismantling established discriminatory practices.

“The Police Race Action Plan, which all Chief Constables have endorsed, is often touted as a blueprint for radical change. However, an emerging critical narrative suggests that what is presented as reform is frequently limited to adjustments in protocol rather than a wholesale cultural transformation. Critics note that training initiatives and the introduction of new procedures have not yet translated into a genuine shift in the ingrained attitudes of UK policing. The continued existence of high-profile cases of disproportionate force and racial profiling such as my own vehicle stop last year underscores the view that these measures are often more symbolic than substantive.

“Rebuilding trust between Black communities and the police has long been identified as an essential goal following the Stephen Lawrence tragedy. In theory, initiatives such as expanded community oversight and the Race Matters network within Avon and Somerset Police are designed to bridge the trust gap. In practice, however, community scepticism lingers. Independent observers and advocacy groups have argued that while forums and advisory panels are in place, they often lack the power to influence decision-making fundamentally. The impact of these efforts is further hampered by the legacy of past failures and ongoing incidents of discrimination factors that reinforce community mistrust and suggest that engagement has yet to be meaningfully inclusive or effective.

“Efforts to improve workforce diversity have seen some progress, with targeted outreach and Positive Action programmes introduced to increase the number of Black and minority ethnic officers. Yet critics point out that even now, representation remains dismally low compared to the demographic makeup of the communities served. In many cases, the recruitment drive appears to emphasise numbers over genuine cultural change, with promotion and retention strategies failing to create a pipeline for Black officers to ascend to senior leadership positions. This discrepancy reinforces perceptions that, despite policy rhetoric, institutional change has been superficial.

“The legacy of the Macpherson Report, a landmark document that exposed the institutional racism underpinning the Metropolitan Police, continues to influence discussions on racial justice in policing. Yet, two decades later, many argue that its transformative promise remains unfulfilled. Critical voices highlight that while legislative and policy changes have been introduced, these adjustments have not overcome persistent societal and cultural biases. The slow pace of career progression for Black officers, ongoing allegations of racial discrimination within policing, and the continued disproportionately aggressive application of police powers against Black communities all point to a system that is still struggling to depart from its racist past.

Conclusion

“As the 32nd anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder is commemorated, the UK especially policing institutions such as the Avon and Somerset Constabulary stands at a crossroads. While there is no doubt that Stephen’s legacy has spurred important reforms and broadened the conversation about race and policing, tough questions must be asked about the depth and efficacy of those changes. Superficial policy tweaks, without a radical overhaul of institutional culture and accountability, risk perpetuating a system where Black communities remain over-policed and under-protected. For genuine progress to occur, reform must move beyond symbolism and engage with the uncomfortable realities of systemic racism ensuring that promises of equality and justice are not only made but are measurably achieved.

“The legacy of Stephen Lawrence should demand nothing less than a complete transformation of policing practice a shift that embraces transparency, deep community engagement, and a true reflection of the diverse society it is meant to serve. Until then, the marks of past injustices remain vivid, urging continual, uncompromising critique and action.”