Key Points:
- Jane Mudd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, reflects on Stephen Lawrence’s legacy.
- Mudd reaffirms commitment to tackling hate crime through her Police, Crime and Justice Plan.
- Emphasises the need for professional, respectful policing to build public trust.
- Highlights Chief Constable Mark Hobrough’s alignment with these priorities.
- Urges continued efforts to eliminate intolerance and hatred in communities.
- Marks 32 years since Stephen Lawrence’s murder prompted national policing reforms.
Jane Mudd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, has pledged to continue building on the legacy of Stephen Lawrence by tackling hate crime and ensuring professional standards within Gwent Police. Speaking as the country marks National Stephen Lawrence Day, Mudd outlined her commitment to fostering safer, more tolerant communities in her newly launched Police, Crime and Justice Plan.
Why is Stephen Lawrence’s legacy important to Jane Mudd’s policing strategy?
On 22 April 1993, 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racist attack in east London. The subsequent Macpherson Inquiry exposed serious failings within the police, including institutional racism and corruption, leading to sweeping reforms across UK policing.
Jane Mudd said Stephen’s murder was a “positive catalyst for change” and pledged to honour his legacy by taking firm action against hate crime. She said:
“Stephen’s killers were motivated by hate. My commitment to tackle hate crime has a prominent place in my newly launched Police, Crime and Justice Plan.”
Mudd emphasised the need for communities where everyone could live “free from fear and harm,” advocating values of “acceptance, tolerance, and respect.”
How does Jane Mudd plan to tackle hate crime in Gwent?
Jane Mudd’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan places hate crime at the centre of policing priorities. She stressed the importance of taking “firm and appropriate action” when behaviour crosses into hatred, especially within a growing and diverse population.
She said police must not only respond but must rise to the challenge:
“When the behaviour of those who do not share these values crosses over into hate, we must take firm and appropriate action.”
How does professional policing help build community trust?
Jane Mudd noted that community trust hinges on residents receiving “an efficient, effective and above all professional service” from their police force.
She stated:
“When residents feel they have been treated with respect, it builds their trust and confidence in their police force.”
Mudd said increased trust leads to higher reporting rates, more intelligence gathered, and ultimately, more crime prevention, improving service delivery for all residents.
What standards does Gwent Police aim to uphold?
Mudd affirmed that Gwent Police must meet the “highest standards of behaviour,” using their powers “proportionally and ethically,” and being fully “accountable for their decision-making.”
She explained that ensuring this level of service is a personal priority during her term and praised Chief Constable Mark Hobrough for aligning with these goals:
“Chief Constable Mark Hobrough has repeatedly made it clear that this is also a key priority for him and his senior leadership team.”
She added that she will continue to hold him to account to ensure these standards are delivered.
How does Jane Mudd want to continue Stephen Lawrence’s legacy?
Reflecting on the progress made over 32 years since Stephen’s death, Jane Mudd emphasised that while significant strides had been taken, the momentum must continue.
She urged:
“We must continue to work together to call out intolerance and hatred in our communities, to build trust and confidence between our residents and the police.”
She reaffirmed that delivering the best possible service to the highest possible standards remains her goal for the people of Gwent.
“This is what I have committed to during my time in office and what I aim to deliver. This is Stephen’s legacy.”
