To mark 20 years since the West Midlands Black and Asian Police Association was founded and celebrate Black History Month, the Police and Crime Commissioner will be hosting a reception at Birmingham City Council House at 6pm on Thursday 6th October.
The event will include a panel discussion on: ‘What are the key challenges that we will face and what do we want to achieve together over the next 20 years?’ with panellists set to include Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson and Chief Constable Dave Thompson.
Ahead of the event Chair West Midlands Black and Asian Police Association, Inspector Karen Geddes said,
“It is now 20 years since the Black and Asian Police Associations started in the West Midlands. Over the years we have been active in developing policing in the West Midlands Police by supporting BME within the organisation to ensure the force represents the community we serve. People still ask why we still need a Black Police Association. As a black officer I am proud to be able to support, promote, challenge and celebrate the work of BME officers and staff in delivering a quality service to the community of the West Midlands.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said,
“Black History Month is a time when we all can come together to celebrate the contribution that BME people have made to the West Midlands.
“The work of the Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA) has been vital to encouraging people from different backgrounds to consider joining the police and help their progression once recruited. I hope that the next 20 years of BAPA’s history are as successful as the first.
“There is still much to be done in terms of improving the diversity of West Midlands Police, but with the upcoming recruitment of 1,150 officers, PCSOs and staff there is a real opportunity to improve that.”
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