Sir Stephen Watson, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, has said that official anti-racism guidance has contributed to the perception of two-tier policing, despite his belief that such bias does not exist. In comments to reporters, Watson acknowledged that the guidance, produced by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) in 2025, may have 'over-corrected' in response to accusations of racism.
Watson pointed to the murder of Henry Nowak, which sparked riots in Southampton and accusations of two-tier policing from figures including Nigel Farage and the Trump administration. 'I do understand that this idea that two-tier policing takes place is now widespread,' he said. 'I don't think it's justified, but I can understand where it's coming from.'
The NPCC's 2025 'anti-racism commitment' advises officers to respond to individuals according to their 'specific needs, circumstances and experiences, with understanding that these will be racialised'. Watson argued that such language has allowed the impression that police are not impartial. 'We've adopted the language of activism,' he said, adding that forces should be 'a little less timid about making sure we emphasise our impartiality'.
Watson, who previously instructed officers not to take the knee during Black Lives Matter protests, said policing must avoid appearing activist. 'We are not activists. If we overstep … this is what then informs the public perception of two-tier policing,' he said. The NPCC is now reviewing its guidance following criticism.
Watson also warned that widespread disorder could erupt again this summer, given 'the temperature of contemporary events' and social media amplifying inflammatory rhetoric. He stressed that police must 'not do anything to fuel the fire'.
