Story perspectives

NPCC Reviews Anti-Racism Guidance After Nowak Death

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Police Chiefs' Council announced a review of its anti-racism guidance after the Nowak case.
Body-camera footage showed 18-year-old Henry Nowak handcuffed while dying, sparking protests and a police-conduct inquiry.
Matt Styler and Daniel Frost were charged with assault of an emergency worker and violent disorder after Southampton protests.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct opened an investigation, leading to one officer’s resignation and three others remaining as witnesses.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 Sir William Macpherson’s inquiry into Stephen Lawrence’s 1993 murder found the Metropolitan Police institutionally racist and issued 70 reform recommendations. It cited the ignored 1981 Scarman Report and helped drive reforms such as the 2005 repeal of double jeopardy, shaping today’s anti-racism reviews by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

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Story summary

The National Police Chiefs' Council announced a review of its anti-racism guidance after the Nowak case.
Body-camera footage showed 18-year-old Henry Nowak handcuffed while dying, sparking protests and a police-conduct inquiry.
Matt Styler and Daniel Frost were charged with assault of an emergency worker and violent disorder after Southampton protests.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct opened an investigation, leading to one officer’s resignation and three others remaining as witnesses.

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