BONGO ROW GOVERNOR SENT ON RACE RELATIONS COURSE

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jan 30, 2000 | by TIM LUCKETT Crime Correspondent

A PRISON governor has been sent on a race relations course after insulting a senior black colleague.

Ian Davis, fourth in command at Brixton Prison, made the offensive remark at a meeting of senior staff about stamping out racism in the jail.

After hearing the sound of bongos in an adjoining room, Davis turned to officer Dee Douglas and said: "You'll be able to understand what they are saying - can you translate?"

Miss Douglas, 31, younger sister of British Olympic champion boxer Rod Douglas, then complained to governor Bob Chapman. She has worked at Brixton for two years and is seen as a rising star in the service.

She is at the forefront of a campaign against racism in the prison service.

But although Mr Davis, a governor for more than 20 years, admitted making the comment, an internal inquiry resulted in no disciplinary action.

The married father-of-two said he had not intended causing distress and was sent on a one-day race relations course. His racist comment was slammed by the Prison Officers' Association who believe he should have been dealt with more severely.

A spokesman said: "Action should have been taken against Mr Davis.

"If race relations are to be taken seriously in the prison service then all grades, regardless of rank, must be treated equally."

The remarks were made at the meeting last year to discuss the progress of Respond - the pounds 3million campaign set up by Home Office minister Paul Boateng to root out racism in the prison service.

Ironically Miss Douglas is Brixton's representative on the national Respond team.