The Scarman inquiry into police conduct and social causes of riots resulted from the disturbances in Brixton, Southall, and other places in the summer of 1981. Although the report focused mainly on the police role, it has been widely viewed as a study in race relations. Scarman recommended that means be found to screen out racist police recruits and that training be extended to 6 months and include instruction in the cultural backgrounds of ethnic minorities. Scarman also called for more careful supervision of young constables, for training inspectors and sergeants in this supervision, and for making racially prejudiced behavior punishable by dismissal. Recommendations also covered the need for consultation with the local community but did not call for the cessation of coercive policing methods. The majority of police have opposed the Scarman report, but some senior police officials support it as well as further reforms. Racism among police may not be eliminated, but police conduct should be among police may not be eliminated, but police conduct should be expected to be professional at all times. Reforms should go beyond those in the Scarman report and should focus not only on the prevention and handling of disturbances but also on situations in which minorities are victims. It is also important that the police not pursue independent policies in this area and thereby become independent of political control. Twelve references are listed.