Maintaining Professional Standards
26th October 2020
Marking the end of Black History Month 2020
9th November 2020
Simon Bullock - Chair of the Dorset Police BAME Network
Simon talks about the Black History Month
Hello, I am Simon Bullock, and I am the chair of the DP BAME Network.
As Black History Month ends, it is important that we not only look back and celebrate the successes and achievements of those who have gone before us, but we also look to the future and to the challenges that are still to come.
Policing by consent is the most important principle that underpins how we deliver our services. It recognises that we do so, not by relying on our powers, but by our communities allowing us to carry out policing activities on their behalf.
Our legitimacy to undertake these important responsibilities improves, by having a workforce that is more representative of the communities we serve, and our effectiveness improves, if we attract and retain the best talent from across our communities.
So whilst we should reflect on the challenges that – for example – Norwell Roberts and Sislin Fay Allen had in joining the service in the late sixties, we should also recognise that BAME individuals who aspire to a career within policing – even today – may still have to manage enduring, complex and challenging views from within our communities.
And so, to our BAME officers, staff and volunteers – I wanted to say thank you.
The nature of policing means that we sometimes engage with people who behave in a prejudicial or a hateful manner. Some of them, unfortunately continue to act this way out of misunderstanding or ignorance.
Despite this, whatever or whomever we encounter, our officers, staff and volunteers continue to protect all our communities without fear or favour – and for that, we all should be thankful.
Simon Bullock
Chair, Dorset Police BAME Staff Network
