No racial bias over black driver

Diigo

An investigation has cleared police of racial bias after a black actor and DJ was stopped in his car several times.  Carl Josephs from Birmingham complained to the Independent Police Complaints Commission that he was questioned many times in two years.

But it did say West Midlands Police did not monitor the ethnic identity of people made subject to vehicle stops adequately enough.

The investigation found there was reasonable grounds found on each occasion Mr Josephs was stopped.

'Catalogue of errors'

West Midlands IPCC commissioner John Crawley said: "Mr Josephs has had concerns about why he has been stopped so many times over the years and there has been much publicity about this controversy.

"I hope our investigation offers him, the force and the wider public some reassurance."

Police in multi-ethnic places such as Birmingham must be able to show their powers are used in non-discriminatory ways, he added.

"The catalogue of errors this snapshot of the prosecution process for road traffic offences has provided is unacceptable.

"I'd like the force to review and improve these processes for the benefit of motorists generally and I'd like Mr Josephs to make sure his vehicle complies with the regulations."

The report found police officials had accepted Mr Joseph's driving documents at its head office when they should have been presented at a police station.

It also found Mr Josephs car probably does not comply with the law on tinted windows and number plate legibility.

Mr Josephs has said he intends to take further action.

Diigo