News everyone...

Actually it's more debate. However... There is an argument going on about whether racism has ended. It's a particularly important debate in America at the moment. It's treated a touch more frivolously here, due in part to the low calibre of Britain's political class.

Everyone starts by saying racism hasn't ended. How could they do otherwise? What many are arguing over is the existence of institutional racism. Trevor Phillips says it is no more (although he also all but claimed that the British Labour Party is racist). The hard-right press were, of course, very relieved to hear this.

Ali Desai disagrees, and well he might. He has an interesting piece in today's Graun concerning institutional racism, or as he puts it "post-modern racism".

According to him front-line policing was purged of overt racism. Canteen culture was ended (partly by closing the canteens). The police officers recruited in the last 10 years have embraced change. Racism apparently moved higher up and became more subtle. The concern apparently became to make police policy "race proof", which is not the same as colour blind.

Speaking conferences on race – often with barely a black or Asian face on the platform – gives them the credentials they need for the next promotion. They hand-pick "friendly" black and Asian staff to provide them with cover if they are accused of discrimination. "Race proofing" is the antidote to the sting of racism allegations in today's policing. Postmodern racism has maintained the very practices and procedures which Macpherson stated 10 years ago discriminate against black and ethnic minority staff.

Assessment based on "acceptability" rather than "suitability" has ensured that anti-terrorism commands, firearm teams, and management boards remain exclusive enclaves with a conspicuous absence of black and Asian officers.

Unsurprisingly:

A recent survey carried out by the BBC's Panorama found unprecedented levels of mistrust between minority staff and their line managers. Those interviewed commented that things have got worse. There is a boycott on recruitment by the Metropolitan Black Police Association, which is also considering a protest march about the treatment of its members. There are two race inquiries in progress when the ink has not yet dried on the previous two.

Institutional racism is actually a tautology. Racism, as opposed to prejudice is institutional. Racism is a practice that systematically restricts and oppresses ethnic minorities, regardless of the intentions of individuals when they interact. This is why white people do not suffer racism, their life chances are not reduced by their origin and/or colour of their skin.

The police force is a racist institution. It cannot be otherwise in this society. Taking Mr Desai at his word the concerning matter should be the effect of institutional racism (strictly speaking there can't be such a thing as post-modern racism; racism is a grand-narrative) at the top on those serving on the front line.

Senior police officers are dirigente, they are leaders and organisers. The organisation and culture they create will be recreated by those who follow their orders. Culture is important. If senior police officers want a demonstration broken up they will first incite their riot police against the demonstrators. If senior police officers want tangible results after an attempted bombing in London they will hype up their firearms officers and tell them "whatever course of action you take we will back you up".

If senior officers are concerned to continue with racist policies, such as stop and seach, whilst covering their arses, this will filter down into the actions of front line police.