LANCASHIRE police force is drawing up a strategy to improve relations with ethnic minorities, police chief Pauline Clare has revealed.

The move comes after Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw announced all police forces are being set targets to increase the number of black and Asian officers.

Concern about police forces' dealings with ethnic minorities has grown following the inquiry into the Stephen Lawrence murder. And Lancashire Constabulary has admitted it has to make massive strides in a bid to attract more black and Asian recruits

The Chief Constable's strategy was due to be discussed when the police authority met today.

The initiative has pinpointed seven key areas for improvement:

A fair delivery of service to the public.

Improving community contact and liaison.

Better links with young people.

Targeting vulnerable groups.

Better recruitment and training.

Improving the reporting and dealing with racial incidents.

Improving the reporting and dealing with racist crime. New measures aimed at improving the reporting of racial incidents in Lancashire have been introduced over the last 12 months with the dramatic impact on official statistics of a 35 per cent increase.

Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "Some forces are beginning to implement some effective strategies, but police service personnel must represent the community and be seen to be reflective of that community.

"Targets for the recruitment, retention and career progression of black and Asian officers are the first step in developing a strategy to ensure the police truly reflect ethnic diversity in England and Wales. And when I say targets, I mean targets - not quotas."

He added "There is a real determination in the police service at every rank to put the past and the attitudes of the past behind them. There is real will to secure a service that properly reflects the fact we live in a multi-racial society."

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