Investigation promised into Handsworth man’s arrest.
West Midlands Police have strongly refuted claims emerging that a black teenager arrested on suspicion of phone theft was a victim of racial profiling and wrongful arrest. However, they have pledge to investigate the incident, which took place earlier this month.
Shakeil Jackson was arrested by police on the evening of September 6th after a robbery victim and several witnesses claimed he committed a theft in Handsworth. The 19-year-old was taken to Steelhouse Lane police station and held in custody overnight whilst enquiries were made into the allegations. He was released without charge the following morning when it became clear he was not responsible.
Since then a complaint has been made to West Midlands Police about whether Mr Jackson’s arrest was a result of racial profiling and the length of time he was kept in police custody although Shakeil himself has not yet complained to police.
Birmingham West and Central Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Clive Burgess said: “It is extremely disappointing that some people are suggesting ethnicity was a factor. Police officers were responding to witness accounts suggesting Mr Jackson was responsible for the theft. Our enquiries showed this was not the case and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to Mr Jackson. I hope he understands officers were merely acting on information supplied by a victim and witnesses.
CS Burgess added that the police wish to speak to Shakeil in order to establish the nature of his concerns and added, “We take complaints of police conduct very seriously. This matter will be looked into by our Professional Standards Department where a thorough investigation will be conducted.”