In our major recruitment drive, the focus must be on underrepresented communities. It is not favouritism, it is fairness – and it’s essential

• Mark Rowley is commissioner of the Metropolitan police

• Met chief says ‘toxicity’ around DEI will not stop him recruiting more Black and Asian officers

Effective policing depends upon inclusivity. If you are committed to policing by consent that stands or falls on the trust of all communities, you cannot do without it.

Last Monday, we launched a major recruitment campaign. We have no interest in the politics and ideologies of the culture wars. Inclusion is an operational necessity.

Mark Rowley is commissioner of the Metropolitan police

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