Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson recently welcomed the new president of the National Black Police Association to the West Midlands. Also in attendance were representatives from West Midlands Police’s Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA).
The meeting higlighted the progress made by West Midlands Police, however highlighted a number of areas for improvement, such as the retention and progression of BAME police officers and staff, and the importance of engaging with young people to continue to build trust and confidence.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said: “West Midlands Police are leading the way in ensuring our police service is truly representative of the population it serves and protects. My own office leads by example, with over a third of staff from BAME backgrounds. This demonstrates that change is possible and I will continue to work closely with the force, and BAPA to drive further improvements in the number of BAME recruits.”
From left to right: Inspector Kin Devi, PCC David Jamieson, NBPA President Tola Munro and Chief Inspector Karen Geddes.
President of the National Black Police Association, Tola Munro said: “With a diverse population of over 2 million people, of whom nearly a third are BME, it’s important that West Midlands Police reflects its communities. I am pleased that PCC David Jamieson is seeking to develop his BME staff and officers via a Talent Management programme and by using Buddying schemes. I will follow their progress with interest.”
Chair of West Midlands Black and Asian Police Association, Karen Geddes said: “The PCC continues to be a strong advocate of the need to ensure the police reflects the community it serves, a value which is reflected in the office of the PCC where 37% of the workforce are from BAME backgrounds.
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence and 20 years since the MacPherson report into police. We have seen some progress on the race agenda particularly around recruitment however there is more work to do to. BAPA will continue to work alongside the PCC and West Midlands Police to ensure we develop an organisation which reflects the community we serve.”
Back to News Archive