Cleveland Police to pay ‘substantial compensation’ to former officer after discrimination
Cleveland Police has apologised and agreed to pay ‘substantial compensation’ to a former officer who faced racial discrimination and victimisation.
Mark Dias served as a Cleveland Police officer between 2004 and 2013.
Following proceedings in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, Cleveland Police engaged in a mediation process and a settlement has now been reached with Mr Dias.
A joint statement between the two parties was released on Tuesday.
It reads:
Mark Dias was a police officer with Cleveland Police between January 2004 and January 2013.
In 2006, Mr Dias was the first and only Asian officer in Cleveland to have been selected for the High Potential Development Scheme. His performance was graded as excellent during his police career and he demonstrated the potential to achieve high rank.
Mr Dias stood up against institutional racism and wrongdoing within Cleveland Police. He endured negative responses and reactions to the concerns he raised. He was discriminated against and disadvantaged.
Further, Cleveland Police unlawfully used provisions in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 against Mr Dias to obtain his communications data. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal was scathing in their criticism of Cleveland Police for this.
Following proceedings in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, Mr Dias and Cleveland Police engaged in a mediation process to resolve Mr Dias’ proposed claims for damages (including claims for aggravated and exemplary damages) in the Employment Tribunal relating to discrimination, victimisation and whistleblowing dating back to 2010, and the impact this had on Mr Dias personally, and his proposed claim in the High Court.
In response to those claims, the parties have been able to achieve a positive outcome and Mr Dias will now receive substantial compensation. The terms of this settlement are confidential.
Mr Dias has now been vindicated.
The Chief Constable apologises to Mr Dias and his family for the hurt and distress caused, and for the damage to his reputation and career within the police service and the damage caused by the organisation not acting on his concerns.
The Chief Constable recognise the positive contribution Mr Dias made to policing during his time with the force. He is to be commended for his persistence in standing up for equality and integrity in policing.
In a statement, the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger says steps have been taken to ensure the message that discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable is clear.
Mr Dias' compensation figure has not been revealed because of a confidentiality agreement.