YOUNG MEN from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds were more likely to be issued fines for breaching COVID-19 lockdown rules than their white counterparts.

A report by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) found BAME men between the ages of 18 – 34 were overrepresented by around twice the rate of men white men in the same age group.

People from BAME backgrounds were handed fixed penalty notices (FPN) at a rate 1.6 times higher than white people, with four in 10,000 BAME individuals being fined in comparison to 2.5 white people.

Those rates were highest for Asian (4.7) and black people (4.6), followed by mixed raced individuals (3.1) and other minority ethnic people (2.6).

Higher rates in rural areas

The report looked at the number of fines handed out by police forces in England and Wales between March 27 and May 25. 

The NPCC said the overall number of FPNs issued was relatively low, with a total of 17,039 handed out – an equivalent of three per 10,000 resident population.

Men under the age of 45 were found to be disproportionately represented, with 70% of FPNs being handed out to them, despite them making up 22% of the population.

Men between the ages of 18 and 34 – who make up 14% of the population – accounted for 57% of those fines – a rate four times higher than if penalties were issued proportionately across all age groups.

BAME people were up to 6.5 times more likely than white people to receive FPNs from some police forces, with the rates generally higher in coastal areas and beauty spots.

However it should be noted these areas typically have a relatively small BAME population leading to high disparity rates.

Tackling racial inequality

The NPCC said it had plans to develop a plan of action to address the disparities among the BAME community and white, and mitigate risks of racial bias.

Chair Martin Hewitt said: “While it is a complex picture, it is a concern to see disparity between white and black, Asian or ethnic minority people. Each force will be looking at this carefully to assess and mitigate any risks of bias – conscious or unconscious – and to minimise disproportionate impact wherever possible. Many forces have brought in community representatives to help them scrutinise the circumstances around each FPN and if it has been issued fairly.

“We are working to develop a plan of action to address issues of inclusion and race equality that still exist in policing – like the lower trust in us from black communities, their concerns about use of powers like stop and search and the concerns from people of colour within policing about inclusivity and equality at work. The findings of this analysis will be further considered as part of that work.”