AN Asian police officer has lost his case for racial discrimination against Greater Manchester Police.
Sgt Umer Khan, 35, claimed he was prevented from becoming an inspector because of his race. The case was dismissed after a five-day tribunal hearing in Manchester.
Father-of-two Sgt Khan claimed managers treated him differently to white colleagues, because bosses assumed he was part of a large 'stereotypical' Asian family and knew all his relatives' business.
Sgt Khan had checked the force computer for information about his brother who was a suspect in an honour killing, the hearing was told.
Chief Insp John Brennan, of the Professional Standards Branch of GMP recommended promotion should be postponed because of 'strong' concerns about Sgt Khan's conduct.
In his judgement, Michael Coles, chair of the tribunal bench, said the decision was based on hard evidence. He said: "Mr Brennan would have come to the same conclusion, based on similar evidence if the person involved was not Asian and had not been in an Asian family."
Disappointed
Sgt Khan said he was saddened by the verdict. He said: "Naturally I am disappointed with the way I have been treated.
"No explanation was given to me for the way I had been treated until this case reached court.
"I just hope now that GMP will improve the way it deals with officers."
Insp Ian Hanson, of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: "Whilst we accept the court's judgement there have been some very real issued raised this week in relation to both GMP's internal promotion process and how it communicates with staff.
"We hope that they will learn from this experience and use it too look at the practices that have been highlighted as being unfair.
"As the judge said, there was an appalling lack of communication that could and should have been dealt with better."
Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of the hearing and feel that GMP has been vindicated by the decision.
"It is disappointing that Sgt Khan felt it necessary to take his grievances to a tribunal but we have always felt that his allegations were unfair and unfounded. This has now been confirmed by the decision of the tribunal.
"I am looking forward to a continuing and fruitful working relationship with Umer Khan now that these matters have been fully resolved."
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Big Brother, North West (13/07/2009 at 08:44)
Tezza, Tyldesley (13/07/2009 at 09:06)
If he had used the force computer inappropriately then he should have been sacked never mind passed over for promotion.
Pippa, Manchester (13/07/2009 at 09:31)
Panzer 391, Salford (13/07/2009 at 10:54)
Edski Vega, Nottingham (13/07/2009 at 11:09)
A copper in Notts actually got sacked and sent to prison for doing a check for one of the crime bosses here to check his wifes record for a speeding ticket.
This cretin should have been sent to prison too. Why does the race card always have to be played when someone isn't upto standard for promotion.
There is no organisation in the world that has more positive discrimination than the Police....meaning that minorities will be given jobs ahead of the white population time and again..... every three months there are between 5-10 jobs advertised just for Black and Asian staff only. I do agree with it because the force needs to represent society but then it really annoys me when the race card is continually played and the Police are sued time and again!!
Ace , manchester (13/07/2009 at 11:17)
Grumpy of Chorlton, Manchester (13/07/2009 at 11:26)
Why then do a lot of ethnic minority officers always assume that the reason is because of their race. Heaven forbid the real reason could be that they are not suitable or corrupt in some way!
Perhaps, Sgt Khan, you just aren't a good enough officer to become an Inspector!
It is a sad state of affairs when cases like this are brought at the drop of a hat, it cheapens the whole race complaints, and as there are so many everyone believes that it is just an excuse to get promoted/get money/take the blame away from the person who is just not good at his/her job.
People with real cases of discrimination are then lumped with those people and everyone assumes it is just another case of make money quick.
It is nice to see a sensible result this time, and GMP fighting their case rather than just rolling over and promoting him.
Ace , manchester (13/07/2009 at 11:32)
Playing The Race Card (13/07/2009 at 11:41)
john davis, Salford (13/07/2009 at 12:01)
Esso Blue. G. Barry, Roque Santa Cruz.It's a Done Deal. Next, Manchester (13/07/2009 at 12:03)
reneepeters (13/07/2009 at 12:11)
Ace , manchester (13/07/2009 at 12:22)
Youve hit the nail right on the head?The people in britain just stick their heads in nthe sand until things get so bad its hard to turn things around. well said mate.
Mark,Radcliffe. (13/07/2009 at 12:53)
Mad Welsh Scotsman, Cadishead (13/07/2009 at 13:06)
michael moulding (13/07/2009 at 14:11)
Whilst it may seem that straight forward as anyone thought that its possible to be treated unfairly but lawfully ?
Therefore, whilst clearly this decision went against Mr Khan and the tribunal decided against his claim in law it does not necessarily mean that he has been treated fairly.
Disrimination - all forms can be subtle and not so obvious and it takes a brave person to stand up to his employer if he or she thinks they have not been treated in the way that they should.
I hope GMP do now want to work with Mr Khan in a positive manner in future where they do fully communicate with him about his career prospects.
Tezza, Tyldesley (13/07/2009 at 14:46)
We as people who comment on stories on the M.E.N web site can only comment on the story we are given.
Mark,Radcliffe. (13/07/2009 at 14:54)
sugar n spice, manchester (14/07/2009 at 00:13)
Hamish Macbeth, Whitefield (14/07/2009 at 08:46)
Why?
At my local hospital, 30% of the doctors are white, 30% black, and 30% asian and chineese. Proportionately not enough whites. Do we have positive discrimination or policies to help whites become doctors...No. Am I bothered - no - as long as when I am injured they look after me.
At my local taxi rank - all the drivers are male asians...any policy or statements to encourage females, whites, blacks to become taxi drivers ...no
At all the local schools, most of the teaching staff are females. Any policy to encourage males to teach ... err no.
When dealing with public money - it should be best person for the job - regardless of quotas and diversity targets !