Minister Critiques Police Anti-Racism Guidance Following Henry Nowak Tragedy

Police Minister Sarah Jones has stated that a National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) document regarding anti-racism "gives the wrong impression," prompting an official review of the guidance. These remarks follow the murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student, and subsequent controversy surrounding the handling of the incident by Hampshire Police.

The comments arise after body-worn camera footage emerged showing officers handcuffing Nowak in Southampton last December. In the video, the student, who had been stabbed, repeatedly says "I can't breathe." The footage surfaced after it was revealed that his attacker, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed to be a victim of a racist attack.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently examining an NPCC document titled "Police Anti-Racism Commitment." This guidance outlines the goal of "producing equality of policing outcomes," explicitly stating that this objective "does not mean treating everyone 'the same' or being 'colour blind'."

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Jones characterized the document as a brief "values" statement rather than a foundational training manual. "I don't think it forms the basis of any training or any police activity," she explained. While acknowledging the document is official NPCC material, she argued that its language is flawed and creates a misleading impression, though she insisted it does not dictate how police training is conducted.

"People are right to ask questions when they've seen such a horrific incident," Jones said. "We will be listening and learning the lessons and there is a history... of racism within policing that forms part of the policing picture when you are trained."

Digwa was recently sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for stabbing Nowak, who was from Chafford Hundred, Essex, as he returned to his student accommodation. The sentencing judge, William Mousley KC, noted that despite the rapid arrival of first aid, CPR, and medical experts, Nowak would not have survived due to the severity of his injuries.

Tensions remain high, with hundreds of protesters clashing with officers in Southampton on Tuesday evening over Hampshire Police’s handling of the case. Jones confirmed that two arrests were made during the disturbances.

The bodycam video shows an officer asking Nowak, "You've been stabbed, whereabouts?" before adding, "Don't think you have, mate." As Nowak is handcuffed, he repeats that he cannot breathe. Later, despite appearing unresponsive, he is informed that he is being arrested for assault.

On BBC Breakfast, Jones urged calm while acknowledging the systemic issues within law enforcement. "It is important to say that there is historical and a long history of racism in policing that we need to acknowledge," she said. She highlighted that the Black community holds the lowest confidence in policing, is underrepresented in the workforce, and is more likely to be subjected to use of force, noting that understanding this history is a key component of current training.

The NPCC’s commitment was developed last year following the 2022 Police Race Action Plan. It defines racial equity as ensuring equal policing outcomes by responding to individuals and communities based on their specific needs and experiences, rather than applying a "colour blind" approach.

Jones emphasized that beyond this specific commitment, police training covers the historical problems and challenges of racism within the force. When asked if this training influenced the officers' actions during the Nowak incident, she stated she did not know and clarified that determining all facts is part of the IOPC investigation.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that three of the officers involved in the incident remain on duty, while one has resigned. Additionally, Donna Jones, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has called for a review of the force’s control room culture, performance, and the training of officers responding to the stabbing.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 09:41:07 UTC