London, Dec 12, 2004

Britain's Metropolitan Police Service could face a major shake-up following a report of "disproportionality" in the number of black and ethnic minority officers facing disciplinary action.

The report by former union leader, Sir Bill Morris, has made over 100 recommendations including restructuring of the force on a scale last seen after Lord Scarman's inquiry into the Brixton riots in April 1981, which were blamed on racial tension.

The inquiry was set up following the collapse of a seven million pound investigation into allegations of corruption against an Iranian-born officer, Superintendent Ali Dizaei. According to the report, Supt Dizaei, who was awarded 80,000 pounds in compensation after the accusations against him were dropped, was treated unfairly partly because of his race.

It has recommended creation of a new post of chief executive with responsibility for professional standards, employment and procurement matters, allowing the commissioner to be operationally focused.

As well as Supt Dizaei there was the case of Non Resident Indian Sergeant Gurpal Virdi, who was reinstated after being wrongly sacked for allegedly sending racist hate mail to himself.

Ray Powell, the president of the Black Police Association, has told Sir Ian Blair, who takes over from Sir John Stevens as commissioner next month that black officers expect all the inquiry's recommendations to be implemented. PTI