WILTSHIRE Police have embarked on a three-year project to ensure it is not "institutionally racist".

The racism audit is required as part of the 2000 Race Relations Amendment Act.

It was one of the recommendations to come out of the 1999 Macpherson Report into the death of 18-year-old black teenager Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered by a gang of white youths as he walked home with a friend in south London in April 1993.

The police failed to track down his killers despite receiving various tip-offs and their investigation was accused of being lacklustre.

A survey in 2000 revealed that Swindon Police were seven times more likely to stop and search black people than whites. This is one of a number of areas which will be addressed by the review. Other priorities include staff representation of minorities, deployment, response times and bail procedures.

Acting Superintendent Kevin Maidment, who is in charge of the project, said: "It's not a case of going through a process of just ticking off a lot of boxes we are taking this very seriously. It's about changing hearts and minds. We may have some way to go in some areas."

The force has already been in consultation with Swindon and Wiltshire Race Equality Councils and now wants to hear from representatives of any minority groups who have suggestions on how police can improve. Around three per cent of Swindon's population are black or Asian.

All public authorities are required to carry out a review of their race policies under the Race Relations Amendment Act. It places a duty on them to work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunity and good relations between people of different racial groups.

Those interested in contributiong to the racism audit should write to: Racial Equality Scheme, Best Value Unit, Police Headquarters, London Road, Devizes, SN10 2DN or email race.equality@wiltshire.police.uk.

The idea of the audit is to remove any policies or procedures which, perhaps inadvertently, have the effect of discriminating against a minority.

Wiltshire Police plans to produce an action plan by the end of this month detailing the priority areas which will be dealt with under the audit.