The cultural mediation of ‘race’ – occupational cultures, crime and arrests

Abstract

Malkjitt Natt was arrested near his home in Manor Park, east London in January 1992. Two officers had attended an incident during which Natt was alleged to be threatening his wife, from whom he was separated. This was one of a succession of calls requiring police officers to attend similar incidents. Natt was arrested but fled from the arresting officers and, it was said, attacked a woman constable. On this occasion Natt was carrying a tape recorder because when previously stopped by officers he had been verbally abused. The following is a transcript of the recorded conversation that took place after his arrest.