The murder of a Southampton student has sparked calls to review the wording of police anti-racism guidance.
The Police Anti-Racism Commitment, part of the national Police Race Action Plan, is now under scrutiny following the murder of Henry Nowak.
The document outlines the "long-term aspirations of an anti-racist police service" but has faced criticism for suggesting that individuals should be treated differently based on ethnicity, an approach the policing minister has called "wrong."
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Sarah Jones, policing minister, said: "Everyone should be treated equally under the law and I think it’s right that they are reviewing this document and looking at the language.
"We think the language is wrong, it gives the wrong impression.
"But I don’t think it affects how our training is done."
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The guidance states: "Producing equality of policing outcomes for people from different ethnic groups by responding to individuals and communities according to their specific needs, circumstances and experiences, with understanding that these will be racialised and with the aim of reducing harm.
"It does not mean treating everyone 'the same' or being 'colour blind' (racial equality)."
Ms Jones said: "Of course, people are right to ask questions when they’ve seen such a horrific incident, and we will be listening and learning the lessons."
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), said: "We are listening to legitimate concerns about how some of these commitments are worded or phrased, and where needed we can and will make changes, but this should not detract from the intent, which is to improve the quality of policing."
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"It is essential that we police without fear or favour in keeping the peace and enforcing the law. We must do so to earn the confidence of all communities."
Mr Stephens also acknowledged that black communities have historically reported low confidence in the police, and said action must be taken to address this.
He said: "This historic and ongoing mistrust between the police and black communities risks, for example, people not reporting things to the police if they are in trouble, or aiding our efforts to catch criminals, fight crime and protect all communities."
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