The CRE today announced its intention to launch in investigation into racism in the police service. Speaking at the Metropolitan Black Police Association's AGM, CRE Chair Trevor Phillips said: "Yesterday I went to see the Home Secretary and told him that, as I am empowered to do under the Race Relations Act of 1976, I intend to instigate a formal investigation into the police service across England and Wales. I am glad to say that he has agreed to support my decision."

"I intend to appoint a small panel of experienced and highly qualified Commissioners to direct the investigation, and, as I am required to do under the Act, I will ask the Home Secretary to approve that panel and to give them the relevant powers of investigation under the Act."

"We will, in the next two weeks or so ,announce the names of the panel, who will be supported by a full-time team of lawyers and investigators brought together by the Commission.

"I have already spoken to Sir Keith Povey, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, and Nick Hardwick, Chair of the IPCC, and intend to consult both them, as well as ACPO and the NBPA, about our terms of reference and methodology. We will also of course consult the Home Secretary's own Lawrence Steering Group which includes a wide range of both police and community representatives.

"However, I want to be very clear about one thing. This is an independent inquiry, led by the CRE. It will be transparent, focussed and timely.

"We expect to hold at least part of the inquiry in public, though you will know that given the subjects with which we are dealing, some evidence may need to be taken in private."

The CRE announcement comes after a months of bitter wrangling between the NBPA and the Police Service about the Ali Dizaei investigation and the recent BBC documentary which exposed racism at a Police Training Centre.

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