Police Temporarily Halts Applications From White British Candidates
White British applicants have been temporarily barred from submitting their applications for a position within one of Britain’s largest law enforcement agencies as part of new efforts to increase diversity.
West Yorkshire Police (WYP) is hindering aspiring police officers from submitting their applications for the police constable recruitment program.
Currently, 'underrepresented' communities have the opportunity to submit their applications ahead of time, whereas submissions from white Britons are kept concealed, according to statements made by ex-officers.
There are worries regarding possible unequal treatment of applicants, along with claims of potentially illegal affirmative action.
WYP has mentioned that these policies are designed to ensure 'various communities' are adequately represented by the officers who serve them. The Telegraph reports .
Nevertheless, ex-members of the force claim that it operates an unofficial 'covert' hiring strategy aimed at particular demographics.
A person who extensively reviewed job applications as part of the hiring process stated that they voiced objections about the policy but were advised against interfering.
He mentioned that Black and Far East Asian candidates were noted as being significantly underrepresented and received a 'gold' rating, while those of South-East Asian descent were placed in the silver category.
In the meantime, 'white others,' which includes candidates of Irish and Eastern European descent, were categorized as bronze.
A document reviewed by the Telegraph stated: "This aligns with an overarching pattern wherein the pathway for White British individuals is constricted, whereas those who are not White British are guided smoothly to the subsequent phase."
earlier this year, another report indicated that WYP, which ranks as the fourth biggest police force nationally, allocates more funds to DEI initiatives than any other similar body. This amounts to having 19 personnel dedicated to diversity, equality, and inclusion roles, with an annual expenditure totaling £1 million.
Trainees must undergo a lengthy procedure involving an online evaluation, an interview, and various physical assessments. Recently enlisted officers – whether they be in uniform or working undercover as detective constables – start at a salary slightly below £30,000.
The WYP website says: "We are now welcoming applications for the two police constable programs (uniform and detective) specifically from individuals belonging to underrepresented communities... Should you not be part of these groups, we encourage you to regularly check this page for upcoming recruitment chances."
The authorities state that online applications from candidates of ethnic minority backgrounds are advanced to the interview phase but subsequently retained until the application process is reopened to all applicants.
The statement reads: "Allowing individuals from ethnic minorities to apply early doesn’t provide them with an edge in the selection process; instead, it gives us greater chances to draw talents from a applicant group that mirrors the varied communities we cater to."
A document outlining the policy reveals that minority applicants were provided with several months to express their interest and complete the application process, whereas some white applicants were given only 48 hours.
Last year, these allegations were brought forth by the whistleblower after they departed from WYP. The accusations were detailed in a document shared with high-ranking officials within the organization.
WYP maintains that the preferential treatment provided to ethnic minority candidates aligns with equality legislation.
Nonetheless, a prominent labor attorney, who chose to remain anonymous, has highlighted that the hiring policy veers into affirmative action territory—a practice implemented in the United States but banned in the UK.
Minority applicants who show interest in a position through email are paired with mentors from the force's Positive Action Team (PAT). These mentors guide them throughout the hiring process, and this practice is lawful.
Nevertheless, the whistleblower’s report asserts that no ethnic minority applicants were unsuccessful throughout the entire process, with PAT officials carrying out the interviews as well.
Members of the force stated that entry-level positions were labeled with an 'H', which stood for "Hidden," in their computer system. This designation allowed these roles to be primarily accessible to white British applicants at a significantly later phase.
The previous official additionally mentioned that candidates encountered 'inappropriate handshakes and embraces', and were assured 'there’s no need to stress, as you’ve already been approved and this process is merely ceremonial.'
The whistleblower mentioned that they had analyzed the recruitment process for the police constable program over a span of 15 months.
Between June 2022 and October 2023, which spans 489 days, positions were open specifically for ethnic minority candidates for 446 of those days, as mentioned.
In comparison, white British candidates had 99 days available for applicants to apply for entry-level policing jobs.
The West Yorkshire Police has reaffirmed their focus on tackling 'under-representation'.
A spokesperson stated: "According to the latest census data, 23 percent of individuals in West Yorkshire declared belonging to an ethnically diverse background. However, our present workforce includes only about nine percent officers from such communities. In order to tackle this disparity, we implement Positive Action measures as permitted by the Equality Act 2010."
'We recently underwent a review titled 'Activism and Impartiality' conducted by Her Majesty'sInspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, during which no concerns were raised.'
'Positive Action enables individuals from marginalized communities who show interest in joining the force to submit their applications, which are kept on record until a recruitment period begins.'
'There will be no interviews conducted until the application period opens for all candidates.'
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