Detective Constable Nita Vanand is bringing a claim of race discrimination to commence at the Leicester Employment Tribunal on 24 January 2005 for 5 days. She is alleging that she was excluded from carrying out an interview of a child victim on grounds of her race and then victimised for complaining about the incident. Detective Constable Nita Vanand, a serving office of 12 years has been working in the Child Protection Unit of Leicestershire Constabulary since 2001.

In November 2003, she was informed that a white victim did not wish to be interviewed by an Asian officer. DC Vanand is one of a few officers within the Unit who are video interview trained. She was excluded from carrying out the interview, despite her skills and experience. This decision was endorsed by senior managers within the Constabulary.

She alleges that senior management failed to recognise the issue as a racial incident and deal with her complaint of exclusion. She also complains that unfounded complaints were then raised as victimisation of her.

Ms Vanand brought proceedings against the Constabulary in July 2004 despite a considerable effort to resolve the matter internally with the assistance of the Police Federation and Black Police Association. The Constabulary is defending these proceedings.

Sergeant Colin Monks, Chairman of the Leicestershire Police Federation and Baljit Singh, Chairman of the Leicestershire Black Police Association, comments: "This case raises a public interest issue regarding the expectations on Police officers to deliver a service when encountered with racism from the public and the service's response to that issue. It examines whether the plethora of race and diversity policies and training work in actual situations where it really matters".

The claim is due to be heard at 10.00 am on Monday 24 January 2005 for 5 days at the Employment Tribunals, 5A New Walk, Leicester. Ms Vanand is being represented by Arpita Dutt, a lawyer specialising in employment and discrimination law at Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors (London office) and barrister, Catrin Lewis.

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