Today, it was reported that the Metropolitan Black Police Association: "said it would discourage black and Asian potential recruits from applying to the force." This is beyond insane. The MetBPA states that it is: "committed to enhancing the quality of service to the black communities of London and thus helping to improve overall police service delivery to the people of London." Delivering on this commitment will benefit all London's communities, and is worthy of universal support. So it is a matter of concern to everyone, therefore, that the MetBPA would be prepared to suggest, even for a moment, that it would discourage potential new recruits from ethnic minorities from applying. Relations between ethnic and faith groups in London are now, possibly more than at any other time, of fundamental importance in the fight against crime, particularly knife crime and terrorism. High profile groups such as the MetBPA should be at the forefront of the positive drive towards better relations, should help set the moral town and represent a shining example to Britain's youth, of all ethnic backgrounds. They have let themselves, and us, down. Of course discrimination still occurs; if it didn't they would not need to exist. But this is not the way to fight it. This is not the way to develop our (yes, OUR) Police service into the broadly representative organisation, at all levels of it's hierarchy, that it needs to be, for all our sakes. If by even hinting at a boycott the MetBPA has changed the mind of one, single young ethnic minority kid from joining the Police, then they have done all of us a dreadful disservice.