Letter: Race and the police

Sir: You say that if Sir Paul Condon were "hounded from office it might engender a defensive, bunker mentality in police canteens" ("This report places a responsibility on the whole nation", 25 February). From what I have observed both during and since the publication of the Lawrence report this mentality already exists and is in full working order.

We have further evidence of police incompetence when we hear of the changing of the camera to a dummy one overlooking the commemoration plaque to Stephen's death, thus allowing the vandals responsible for the last atrocity to escape justice.

G HEADLEY

Wadsley, South Yorkshire