The Scottish Police Federation commits itself to the eradication within the Service of any discriminatory acts or practices.

POINTS TO NOTE:

We will support the principles of equal opportunity and give assistance, where appropriate, to our members.

Racial Harassment.

The Scottish Police Federation is dedicated to the eradication of racial harassment within the Service. It is personally and professionally unacceptable and damages the reputation of the Service. It can result in officers leaving their posts rather than face continued harassment. The service must ensure that procedures and policies are non-discriminatory.

What is Racial Harassment?

Racial harassment is unlawful under the Race Relations Act, but it can also constitute an offence against the Police (Conduct) (Scotland) Regulations 1996. It is behaviour which discriminates on grounds of colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins or religion.

Examples of racial harassment include:-

• Name calling, racist abuse and jokes.
• Patronising remarks.
• Display of racially offensive written material images and graffiti.
• Unfair or insensitive criticism of professional performance.
• Non-selection for promotion / posts because of colour, creed, religion or ethnic background.
• Threatened assault or physical attack.

It is the perception of the person who feels slighted or aggrieved, which constitutes racial harassment, not what other people think. Racial harassment can affect an officer's professional performance and psychological welfare. If the problem is not addressed it can result in officers leaving the service.

Sexual Harassment.

No one should have to put up with sexual harassment. Police officers have a fundamental right to work in an environment free from harassment. When sexual harassment happens at work, it is an infringement of the victim's dignity and respect as a person. It is a problem that demands action and the Scottish Police Federation is dedicated to the eradication of sexual harassment within the Police Service.

Sexual harassment is a legitimate Federation issue as it affects working conditions, health and safety at work and the rights of men and women to equal treatment.

What is Sexual Harassment?

There is no hard and fast definition of sexual harassment but it is essentially unacceptable behaviour which is based on sex and which is unreasonable, unwelcome and offensive.

In the European Commission's code of practice sexual harassment is described as:-

"Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, or other conduct based on sex affecting the dignity of woman and men at work. This can include unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct."

Examples of sexual harassment include:-

• Unwelcome sexual attention.
• Suggestions that sexual favours may further your career (or that refusal may hinder it)
• Lewd, suggestive and over-familiar behaviour.
• Insults or ridicule of a sexual nature.

Unwanted sexual attention is harassment if it continues after you make it clear that you find it unacceptable However, one incident can often be enough to constitute sexual harassment, if it is sufficiently serious. Most people who are sexually harassed are women, but men too can be sexually harassed.

Sexual harassment can make an officer feel threatened, humiliated and patronised. It is demeaning and distressing and can have a direct effect on a person's mental and physical well-being. It can result in officers being moved from their posts or forced to leave the Service because their working conditions have become intolerable, hostile and stressed. Stress caused by sexual harassment can lead to depression and physical illness.

Sexual harassment affects an officer's ability to do the job to the high standards expected of them. It effectively denies them equal rights and good working conditions and consequently is a barrier to obtaining equality of work.

In relation to both Racial and Sexual Harassment police officers should:-

• Be aware of the issues.
• Make sure their own conduct is professional and does not cause offence or misunderstanding.
• Know the content of their Force's equal opportunities policy and abide by it.
• Actively intervene to support colleagues who are victims of discrimination or harassment.

As a victim of either Racial or Sexual Harassment you should:-

• Remember, you are not alone. You may be able to handle the problem yourself but do not be afraid to seek help from a Federation Representative, friend or supervisor.
• If you feel able, make it clear to the person (in writing if you prefer) that their behaviour is unacceptable and that you want it to stop.
• If the behaviour continues, consult your Force Personnel officer or Equal Opportunities Officer or Federation Representative. They will be able to advise you on what to do next. This might involve invoking the formal grievance procedure.
• REMEMBER - it is important to keep a record of any incidents so that you can accurately recall what has been happening. If this also applies to any of your colleagues being harassed by the same person, get them to keep records too.

The Scottish Police Federation's policy is intended to fully embrace the principals laid out in Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Equality and Fairness Advisors

Sergeant Cathy Crease, West End Police Station
Constable Jacqueline Muller, Federation Office
Detective Inspector Jacqueline Conway, Howdenhall Police Station
Constable Alan Marks, Selkirk Police Station
Constable Ian Woodhead, Federation Office