San Diego: The head of the largest American police organisation formally apologised on Monday for the "historical mistreatment" of racial minorities by police and called on officers to work with minority groups to improve trust.

The statement was notable in an era of nationwide protest and activism over police shootings and heightened fear among officers over violent retaliation against them.

Terrence Cunningham, president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Credit:IACP/Washington Post

Speaking in San Diego at the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, association president Terrence Cunningham said officers "must change the future" when it comes to how they relate to minority groups.

The IACP is the largest police organisation in the United States, representing 23,000 police officials. The statement was issued on behalf of the IACP