Did police anti-racism policies lead to appalling treatment of Henry Nowak and if not, what did?

As the row over the police handling of the stabbing of Henry Nowak by Vickrum Digwa continues, critics on the right have suggested that a preoccupation with anti-racism played a significant role in the failure by officers at the scene to properly assess what had happened – and resulted in the appalling treatment of Nowak as he lay dying. Criticisms have focused in particular on a document published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) last year, the police anti-racism commitment . Critics have also claimed that there is a broader sense that the police’s instincts are now to side against white people whenever there is any doubt. But an analysis of the evidence and interviews with policing experts suggest this account misses crucial aspects of the circumstances that led to a devastating set of failures. What does the police chiefs’ document say and why is it controversial? The police anti-racism commitment was produced as part of the police race action plan. But it is not widely known: even some of those who worked closely on it have never heard of it. It summarises what police chiefs will do to end racial bias. The part that has become controversial this week says: “It does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’ (racial equality).” The home secretary has said she believes the phrasing is “clumsy”. …