White managers say there has been progress - b-------

When Some White managers and some Black leaders in power within the police service say that progress has been made post Macpherson, one must understand that actually little progress has been made to get rid of the racist bigotry that really exists inside the police organisation.

As a serving officer who has delivered effective training in this field inside the police organisation there are three classes of people that one comes across. (1) Some people are just ignorant because of their own upbringing, and we must be able to educate and love these people. (2)

These people are the malicious and (dangerous racists, who know full well that what they are doing is wrong, but they are able to, through intelligent manoeuvre’s, get away with racist practices. Some of these practices are verbal, some attitudinal, and some relate to the manner in which they interact with minority ethnic people and staff.

To say that these peoples are just operational officers is absurd and a get out clause for senior managers; they exist everywhere, but this an arguement senior officers have used well to blame everyone but themselves. (3) The third type of person is arguably the worst form of racist. These people are academic, they know employment law well, and these people collude systematically and intentionally with those mentioned in (2) above.

Unfortunately some of these people are leaders and managers now, i.e. they have been promoted; so to say things have changed for the best is quite a ludicrous proposition by current leaders. In promoting a type, in promoting what could be deemed as "their own", Police leaders of the past and some today are still actually creating a very dangerous environment in which racists are allowed to remain free.

Whilst these people remain free then the possibility of another Blakelock or Lawrence type murder occurring is not out of the question.

Instead of the situation getting better; it is arguably getting worse as we promote upwards, because the police service in 2005 plays total lip service to the isue of "race" and is still in some denial.

The Commissioner's "Bag Carriers" respond

I WROTE

I do not comprehend what you mean by, " I do not think I have had the pleasure of replying to any emails from you before." Why is it deemed a pleasure? Prior to this email I sent a message regarding the impact of stereotypes, which is clearly the email I was referring to. From your response it would appear that you do not wish to understand the impact of "race" or feel it unimportant in these matters. I am not suggesting that the Metropolitan Police do anything that will prejudice the outcome. I thank you for correcting me. Clearly the service has been here before with the Kent enquiry which preceded the Macpherson Report. If Ian Blair does not have time for issues that he publicly comments upon, without a "full" understanding then that is a matter for yourselves. We are all busy, but some of us have a reasonable grasp of the subject of "race." I sent this and the previous email to assist because there is a blatant lack of understanding of "race" nationally and certainly within your offices from your response to me. I see that institutional racism has not left the Metropolitan Police Service. Some of the issues I mentioned could be having an impact on your officers but I am now left wondering whether I have the abilities to strike a sentence in English let alone make any sensible contribution that is valued.

THIER FINAL RESPONSE

Dear .......,
Thank you for your reply. I have forwarded your e-mails to Chief Constable ...........office for his attention.
Yours sincerely

The Commissioner's "Bag Carriers" respond to the issue of jean Charles de Menezes

MY ORIGINAL MESSAGE TO THE Met Commissioner - Thu, 18 Aug 2005

Sir, I quote from you: "But what concerns me is that this part of the story is concentrating on the death of one individual, when we have 52 dead people from all faiths and communities in London and from abroad." (1) This one individual was a human being also, and an innocent human being. He was not a primary victim of the terrorist attacks. He was a secondary victim and as such there can be no comparison between primary and secondary victims in this way. There is no "like."(3) Nor is the view that a life of a human being is really acceptable cost in fighting terrorism. If we take this view then in the future it will be minority ethnic people of colour that will be targets. Historically the police service has not been open when dealing with deaths of minority ethnic people. (4) We really have to consider what really the life of a human being is worth, if as it is being banded around, the price of life is worth £500,000 this is a sad indictment upon us all as police officers. Or is this the value of life placed upon a minority ethnic individual? Surely the Metropolitan Police and the Government together can agree a value that is more realistic and accountable. (5) On a second note please find the attached message. I hope it is of some use to you, I have sent it to the editor of the Police Review. You cannot and should not be criticised for the manner in which the Metropolitan Police and the BTP have professionally investigated these matters and detained persons quickly. These persons in essence are racist individuals. The officers of the Metropolitan police and the BTP have acted bravely and are making extreme decisions. I hope this email and information contained here-in can be some of your future focus. Sir, with the greatest respect this issue of extremes and stereotypes if acted upon honestly by us may be our only saving grace.

SENT TO POLICE REVIEW

The below issue is an ugly one, but the fact remains: Stereotypes are a complexity amalgam of thoughts and images that the police can neither live with nor live without. The recent acts of terrorism highlight clearly the fact that our stereotypes of those potentially involved in such acts have been heightened; and to a certain extent they need to be for us to be able to conduct our policing role. The complexity of stereotypes worsens though when our stereotypes become "negatised" for too long a period and when they are prone to becoming "over inflated" by limited incidents, (7/7, 21/7). Naturally we begin to associate images from intelligence and the media. Height, weight profiles, facial expressions and types, colour, ethnicity, gender, clothing/accessories, etc. are all a part of these images. Unfortunately currently these images relate to alot of Asian/African youth/men based on the London bombings. Worse still for policing is the fact that those involved were all "British." At this moment in time we have to accept that our stereotypes of persons potentially involved in terrorist activity is potentially "over inflated" and it is paramount that those on the front line try to keep these stereotypes in check. The stress and tiredness this may cause in days to come should not be forgotten. In one event a stereotype may save ours or the lives of others, or it may save people from injury. In another event, a stereotype may prove totally wrong. To lay blame upon the Police service in relation to these issues is not the answer to something that deserves to be debated at a broader societal and National level, because the blame, if there is any, lies within a variety of failing societal processes. Putting things into perspective let us not underestimate the nature of this task for I can think of no decision, (deciding upon the reality of stereotypes), more difficult for anyone in society at this moment in time. And these decisions are falling hourly/daily upon officers within the Metropolitan Police and the BTP. Dealing with stereotypes of this nature is, therefore, no easy task and anyone that thinks it is does not understand the relationship between policing and stereotypes. The mechanism of intelligence, the support of effective training, regular debriefs, and the support of the community is what we must rely on if we are to continue to police terrorism in a professional manner and avoid another tragedy like that of Mr de Menezes.

MY EMAIL TO THE MET - COS THEY DID NOT RESPOND!

I want some reassurance that the messages I am sending are getting through to the Commissioner. Sir, If what I say about stereotypes is true then I would suggest that the Metropolitan Police Team involved in the investigation with the IPCC and the Brazilian Team push forwards with an open view that a professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist with specialisms in stereotyping works with the team to assist in unravelling a very difficult area. If we do this openly, then we are being honest and genuine.

THEIR RESPONSE - NICE AND EASY.

I don't think I have had the pleasure of replying to any e-mails from you before. It will probably not come as a surprise that your message is hard to fully comprehend given that it is out of context. Sir Ian does not read the vast majority of the e-mails that sent to him. They number, literally, in their hundreds, and as his staff officer I reply to many of them on his behalf. As a serving police sergeant, you ought to be aware the IPCC is fully independent. The MPS can do nothing that would prejudice or pre-judge the outcome of what will no doubt be a very thorough, impartial and professional investigation which will in due course make recommendations for the future. The MPS is not investigating the shooting (and neither is the Brazilian delegation who have in fact returned home) and has no role other than to co-operate with the IPCC.

52 deaths were race/religious related

Sir,I note your comments. I have actively campaigned against racism's throughout my service and in my desire to assist the police service, of which I am a part, I wonder whether anyone has percieved that each of the 52 deaths of the 7th of July were race related incidents and whether they have been recorded as such. The institution is "big" but there must be personal accountability also. I am taking some accountability. For various reasons I wish that we are able to now acknowledge the difference between a racist, a racial, and a race related incident. In this way, I feel, I too, have been a victim in this respect. I remain disappointed that the offices have not seen fit to comment on the very critical first email that I sent. I will continue to support policing to the best of my ability if I am allowed..It is a fact that a Muslim man can kill another Muslim man in a racist incident. This then blows the defence of, "I'm not racist, I have Black freinds, straight out of the window for those racists that use it as a defence."

BPA Conference 2005 - the blind lead the way

Nearly 7 years on from Macpherson we arrive at this time of the year again, our conference. I understand the concept of charging candidates to attend but am curious as to what other BPA's are doing in terms of charging for accomodation. Our BPA initially was to accomodate primary members at full cost, secondary members were to pay half accomodation costs and well, (yes half!), and who knows what the rights of tertiary members are?

Now, it would appear, after a revisit, our BPA may have seen that these priviliges/funding, etc. was not for the selected few BPA MEMBERS but for all members. When the concept of the BPA was set up we applied for funding to secure our attendance at conferences such as these with a little more liberty, freedom, and sanctity, knowing full well that we may have to sacrifice our personal freedom anyway. We applied for funding to secure our rights, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, etc. but what is the point if some cannot attend, but perhaps that is the point!

Then we did not have budgets and we paid from our own pockets. In 2005, we are said to have progressed to such a civilised status that now we have to work past the honour guard of Black people in order to challenge the ludicrous decisions of some BPA's and the organisation that sits their smugly saying, "It's a BPA decision!" Now, some of us have again to pay for our own freedom.

I can understand the BPA's taking from the organisation what is righfully theirs, but what would be consequentially acceptable and respectful is if BPA's ceased to take from those that are already disaffected amongst it's membership. Have we forgotten our purpose? But then BPA's are only doing what the "Master" organisation has taught them is what some may say. And so really is this civilised progress 7 years after Macpherson? Or is this yet another backlash to Macpherson? We still have some way to go........

Being Black in Blue

I see Bigots and Racists and Bullies and Creeps,

Of all ranks and all colours; all they think about is just “Me”,

As in “them,” is their true and complete ideology.

Some have made it through the ranks, from Sergeants and above.

They have given evidence at tribunals against anti racists, And stuff.

They still sail through as if they are so supreme,

What a fallacy, what a fascist regime?

They are Bigots believe you, believe me.

But they are totally totally free,To practice this evil, this malice, this disgust, Of Racism, of Attitude, Of Disrespect, Hatred and Grudge.

Towards innocent Black men,

That You and I truly trust.

And all this is based on colour,

Yes, all this is based on being “Black”,

on being portrayed as a “loose cannon”,

And on “their” perception of us being slack.

The thing is, They are the one’s that are freaky, Not me.

Nor are they my true friends, You see.

The Senior Managers know this is all true, But they too remain smitten,By English words of comfort.

“You fools”, you will crumble one day, I mumble.

The managers are hidden in their own glory and “self esteem”, like glue. Their passion is personal;

it’s about their career “kafumble”,

And their next post,

It’s about personal privilege, and promotion,

not “Me.”

No fairness, no freedom, no solace, no home.

This Corruption and Evil is of the highest discord,

It is Academic; its Futile, But who am I too moan.

I am Black and Proud, with Dignity,

Whilst some like me are Liars, you see.
All are superior by colour, by rank, and by birth.

And although I am educationally qualified,

To their bitter discontent, I can read,

I can speak, and most of all, whilst I write,

I remain unambiguously “Free”.
The jealousy is real, it’s against me,

and it’s against being intelligent and Black.
As for ACPO, they are futile as leaders today,

They have neither a concept nor a clue,

Of “race”, of “riots”, of “fear”, of “terrorism” of “honesty”,
Of what it is really like being Black and in Blue.
This poem is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Lawrence, Oct 2005

Celebration time - come on

Look at St George's day and you might find a contribution. I very much welcome the views of the new Archbishop of York. It is fundamental that in a multicultural and now integrated society people of all cultures accept, value and celibrate the existence of other cultures.

I feel that St Patrick's Day is another wonderful celebration. Isn't it great to see so many happy people? I also feel that if we celebrated more together there would be very little to fight or argue about in the name of religion, colour or culture. And perhaps there would be less in terms of racially motivated attacks also. It is therefore equally important that Black and Asian people take part in the celebrations of St George's Day. The celebrations could be a national holiday!

Once again, congratulations to the new Archbishop and let us look forward to some celebrations.

THE NBPA - cannot itself repent for the actions of it's own members

This has been lifted from the National Black Police Association website.

'We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. 'Martin Luther King Jr.'

What about those in the NBPA who are keeping quiet to protect their privileges?

Policing - No will to change

This is absolutely wonderful what I read here in the Times. As a serving police officer that has dedicated most of my service to tackling racism's, institutional and personal, and against some Black and some White leaders, I am over joyed at the appointment of Dr Sentamu. From his days which resulted in the Stephen Lawrence Enquiry Report and his involvement in the Damilola Taylor murder, I know and feel that the only way things will change is when we are forced to change and that is not only in the police service, but in mainstream society. Whilst on the surface in the police service their appears a "will" to change, below that surface some of the service's most aspirational leaders are deliberately not coming to terms with what is actually required to fruition the reccomendations made by Macpherson and Cantle. This will not be good enough now for Dr Sentamu.A policy here, a policy there means little if there is no will. Quite recently the Home Office prematurely ended the Stephen Lawrence steering group and just last week we were reminded that Anthony Walker was murdered because of the colour of his skin. If I talk a little about my faith, Hinduism, I am convinced that some Hindus remain oblivious to what is happening. It is almost as if people do not want to own things. As peoples we have to let go of our cultures to a certain extent and now unite and reform faiths.The reality of terrorism, the reality of race hate crime and the demise of multiculturalism will lead us to a new level of integration and I pray that it is Dr Sentamu that leads us through this change.What makes me smile most is that Dr Sentamu has scared the daylights of those that do not wish to change, and he has the leaders of the police service, and the Home office at his feet. This is good. We have to move away from forums and beaurocracy and tokenism and a yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir, approach that currently exists and results in a tick in the box or targets.The change and values I feel he wants to instill in modern day Britain are things only he can achieve with love and compassion, but if organisations and people refuse to listen, I tell you what, Dr Sentamu will continue to beat those drums and I will be able to hear them from York, not Africa, but from York!And this strength will allow me to continue in what I need to do too. I am now left pondering is Dr Sentamu a Hindu or am I a Christian. This is truly God's work. By the way, as a firm England supporter, I note that David Beckham, the England captain, has a cross tattoed on the back of his neck. This only means that we are taking God with us to the World Cup in 2006! Britain and England has so much to offer that we are now in very exciting times. And what is best of all, is that whilst some Black colleagues inside the service view me as a bit of an outspoken "loose cannon" and stifle what I am trying to say, Dr Sentamu has made me feel free! Sir Trevor Phillips sounded off a serious warning sign that parts of the country were sleepwalking into ghettoism. But people simply are scared to talk about segregation or multiculturalism as issues that are here today in modern Britain. As people we can only live together if everyone shares the same views so to speak about life. In essence are our faiths different routes to the same place. Some faith leaders still argue that they are not. We all must accept that no faith is superior to the other; but today we are simply not at this position. Differences seem to cause racism and the fanaticism that we see in the extreme right wing is the same as the fanaticism of terrorism, but then racism in a milder form is no different to terrorism. There are also fine lines between integration and human rights and practising one's own beliefs. Breaking down racial and religious barriers will require integration from us all and perhaps there will be a new level of multiculturalism. But all faiths must be ready to reform for what it is to be British, for in this we have a common identity. Whilst the CRE can lead councils, the police, afaiths to water, it is unable to make councillors, police and faith leaders drink that water. Some still feel the CRE has an agenda, and perhaps it has; I thought the agenda of Trevor Phillips was anti-racism. I hope now that the new Archbishop can add his weight to the debate of identity, race and religion.

The Archbishop himself sent this to me

Thank you so much for your email and for the copy of your contribution to The Times website. I am sorry to have taken so long to reply, but I have been deluged with correspondence. Your work on the follow-up to the Stephen Lawrence Enquiry Report is of crucial importance. I trust it has helped to instigate a real change of attitude in the Police Force and beyond, though more effort is needed and we must all continue to be vigilant. Please, never lose heart.You as a Hindu and I as a Christian have much that we can do in harmony together and for the common good. There will of course be occasions when we shall speak from our personal and separate convictions: when that happens I pray that we shall be open-hearted and open-minded so that we may grow in all that is true and good.

It is absurd to suggest Black African Caribbean people have failed and Asians have prospered becau- if we believe in this we have failed race equality

The experience of being Black is respective to the social and political conditions and climates of one's home. It is dependent on how one is made to feel. And some homes are better than others as our writer from America advises us. There is absolutely nothing wrong in that. It is a fact.

Am I witnessing "migrant versus migrant" here, I ask? There is a suggestion that Black African people can do better or that Asian people have thrived whereas Black African people have historically not, even in their homeland. But even in the homeland the systems perhaps are Colonial.

I come back to the experience of being Black and facing racism or corruption. It is entirely dependant on power and the social and political norms of a country at any given time. I am not so sure that Black and Asian peoples can be compared in this way. We are all different, none is better, since we may have some different values we have different life experiences. T

his does not mean one group has failed and the other prospered. But we have all and we still do continue to suffer different forms of racisms.

Marginalised kids will end up in prison

Institutions and individuals have no concept that their actions, attitudes and behaviour might have come from a basis of a perceived superiority that they have inherited. The worst result of this continued marginalisation is murder, e.g. Menson, Lawrence, Walker.

Supremacists simply do not wish to apologise. We could honour the plight of Black people in Slavery. How we do that I do not now, but someone suggested some monuments.

This and some fresh funding for marginalised minority ethnic people might go some way in tackling the current issues of cohesion and integration. How we keep Black and Asian kids off the streets and from offending is key. Otherwise, all we will do is simply imprison an already marginalised Black youth.

Breaking barriers and getting Asian kids into professional football and rugby is another way forwards I guess.

Don't blame White senior managers alone - blame those Black colleagues that "effect" in the pocket of these people also.

Sadly even today I have seen this same "migrant versus migrant" approach inside the National and local Black Police Associations up and down the country. Some of the Black people/officers that we entrust with power simply do not have an effective understanding of race but are kept in power.

The institution can then say it has consulted with the NBPA, but this is "false" consultation. Find me one Black officer since Dr Dilzaie, that has challenged race issues vociferously, and I would suggest most just simply bury their heads in their lives in order to survive.

I have even heard a senior member say in front of the Chief Constable that they are economical with the truth because they fear losing the privileges given them. And what did the Chief Constable do with this information? Sadly nothing.

And so inside policing and in wider society we have the development of a false race relations industry and this is because those in power simply do not wish to hear the experience of Black marginalised voices and this is where we are at. Even inside policing this "migrant versus migrant" approach exists and the institution simply allows it to continue for as long as it continues the real problems of race relations remain unchallenged and the balance of power remains predominantly racist, all be it "unwittingly."

Don't write to the Met Commissioner - His "bag carriers" are good at protecting their boss but useless at dealing with the truth

We are reminded again of the race riots of the 1980's, and ever since, year in, year out, the police service as a whole has said it is doing all it can in order to deal with "race". This is perhaps a half truth. The hierarchy of the police service is mainly white and the majority at the top simply do what they can according to their own understanding. The senior-middle level is promoted by those at the top, and are also mostly white, and merely mimick what those at the top wish to hear. No one at the top wants to understand the difficult reality of dealing with poor "race" relations. This unfortunately is the reality of the police. But this is not the whole picture. Most of those that are black and have got to the top have not themselves challenged racism vociferously. Those that do genuinely challenge racism are left on the periphary and this leaves those black officers that are deemed trustworthy to consult with chief officers, but these people simply do not wish to prejudice their careers. Challenging "race" in the police service is a career decision; ask any officer that has challenged. And if you ask these officers what learning has come out of the incidents then the answer will probably be, none. The current systems that exist in the police service do not inspire openness and transparency from our leaders. I wrote to the Met Commissioner about the Jean Charles de Menezes incident; and this was before the IPCC had reported. I raised my genuine concerns that Mr de Menezes may have been racially stereotyped. I received no response to my e-mail. I e-mailed again and received a patronising response form the "guard" or Staff officer. In my frustration at the lack of foresight of the Met to acknowledge the existence of racial stereotypes in this incident, I wrote again. I was advised that my emails would be sent to my Chief Constable. I then met with my Deputy Chief Constable and was advised that although my intentions were pure I had offended the Metropolitan police and that I should back off because they had advisors. Banging one's head against this brick wall is a continuing challenge for some of us because they had missed the point; Jean Charles de Menezes was the subject of racial profiling and if the advisors had any integrity or passion for "race" the Met would have admitted this. I also advised that each of the 7/7 killings should be recorded as a religiously aggravated murder. I got no thanks or acknowledgment for my foresight or understanding here. If the way police services promote is changed then instantly we will have an impact on "race." Also if we sack those that practice malicious racism, particularly those at the top that condone it; then I am certain we will see change overnight.

Should Sir Ian Blair resign?

The Metropolitan Police and the service as a whole must now answer many questions, including why and how Jean Charles de Menezes was mistaken to be the outstanding terrorist wanted for the failed bombings after 7/7. The problem is they refuse to answer. Historically, the police service consistently fails to account for issues that affect and are affected by "race" relations and, in my experience, I feel there is little desire inside by those in power to change the structure of the organisation from which they have benefitted. In other words, “race”, for example, is a taboo word; they simply lie about what has and what has not been achieved. Those that follow simply mimic their masters. Sir Ian Blair's job is difficult, as are the top jobs in all Forces. But the inability of police leaders generally to acknowledge the incompetence of their own staff and the subsequent internal collusion by them to stifle change is the issue that needs tackling. Sacking Sir Ian is not the answer; a cultural and structural overhaul of the police service to get rid of bad culture is what must happen in the long run. Current police leaders are failing race relations badly and there is nothing to hold these people accountable. The death of Stephen Lawrence caused minor changes. The Secret Policeman documentary was quickly forgotten. Even the CRE investigation has not forced change inside. An archaic and ageing system where no one inside down the hierarchy is held accountable, and which favours the selected few inspires only archaic leadership. And archaic leadership will not allow us to deal effectively with modern policing demands, yet our leaders still take us down this same road, thinking only about how they can lie, and their next promotion.

Do a didli didl dum didli dee

Now, if you are a throw back from the 1970's eh-hum then you’ll have to sing along with me.

There he goes just a walkin down the street
singin doo a didli didli dum didli dee.
Wearing fancy epaulettes,
and waddling his feet,
smiling," we're achieving on race equality."

It's fine; it's fine,
you won't make me change my mind,
hey BALE BALE,
we achievin on race equality.
Doo a diddli didli dum didli dee.

SHAKIN HIS BUTT AT THE
NEW HOM SECRETARY,
AND DINING WID THE CRE,
MAKIN FALSE PROMISES ON DI-VER-SI -TY.
DOO A DIDLI DIDLI DUM DIDLI DEE.

Dis jobs mine,
all mine.
you won make me change my mind.
I got da BPA on ma side, Ha ha.
Doo a didli didli dum didli dee.

One year later he waddling down da street,
singin, I gonna be the new Chief,
I got Keith Vaz on ma side,
so you can kick my pride, innit.
Doo a didli didli dum didli dee.

Den years later Muslim youth begin a fight.
Now he don't sing bout race equality.
Hiding him face as he walkin down da street, he cries,
Dis has happened because of me.
Now I see no race equality, MAN.

Crying, dis ain’t fine,
I must have lost my mind, CHA,
singin boo a didli didli dum didli dee.
Den a few laters he seen in da Caribbean,
sporting dreadlocks,
and smokin da spliff.

Singing I gonna change this crap i-eee.
With his chest spread proud he sings,
I is the first Chief with Dreadlocks.
Singing doo a didli didli dum didli dee.

The NBPA have failed it's members

Written to a senior Officer whom I respect, (Reproduced).

I wish to bring these thoughts to you. I have been made aware that a recent meeting within ACPO where the Federation, LAGPA, and the NBPA were represented, that certain rather disturbing views were being relayed. I am a little incensed and offended by what I have heard.

Firstly there appears to be some concerns amongst the Senior Leaders about the so called rise and funding of different associations, e.g. the Muslim Police Association, The Sikh police Association, the Jewish Police Association, etc. In short I am led to believe that the police service cannot afford to fund and resource these groups. I am not so surprised that sitting in a group these senior officers should take these stereotypical views that groups will want funding; perhaps they simply want a voice.

I believe it was also brought to the table that since the Federation were representing these groups, it was questioned what purpose such groups really served in that there was a perceived duplication because those present could only "umm" and "arr" and offer nothing extra. Sir, the question that these senior colleagues might ask is why is there such a rise in these groups? The term, "Black" within the NBPA movement was supposed to incorporate the feeling of racism. Clearly it does not. These senior colleagues then might wish to consider why the NBPA is perceived to be failing in it’s duty. (The NBPA does not give all groups a voice, instead it gives those in power a voice and a free hand. And if theu don't understand what they are doing then they will fail). From this very simple assertion and "table round" talks I would make the following observations:

(1) If ACPO feels these groups are not bringing things to the table then these groups are bringing "incompetent" people to the table. The NBPA for example does not consist of the best skilled people in the field of race and diversity and this is because it was the wish of the NBPA and the Senior Officers to ensure that prior to election, the relevant member received Chief Officer approval for secondment. (Chief Officers are hardly likely to release staff that would rock the boat.) Hence the NBPA is a controlled group to an extent. This may answer why around the table these support groups could only "umm" and "arr."

(2) The fitness of purpose of the NBPA and BPA’s for example is full of inherent racism’s and discriminations because those in charge have sought personal power, and this has led to the growth of the different groups. This seriously begs the question as to the agenda of the NBPA and how people get there. A simple analysis of the qualifications of those in high positions within the NBPA should reveal the disparity between those in charge and others outside who are sidelined.

(3) In itself the problem is that Chief Officers have themselves set up an NBPA for example that is like a "nodding dog", something that is loyal, yet barks to get attention in order for mutually beneficial deals to be done, deals which do not necessarily move the issue of race forwards, but tranquillise the issues and maintain the power of those within. And sadly for ACPO to then "rubbish" support groups in this way is a little tongue in cheek but entirely racist, for it is they that have caused the problems. Finally there are many Black officers with qualifications who do have a perspective to offer and we will continue to do so with or without the NBPA or ACPO.

By all means please pass this paper to your peers. It might give them a wake up call that we are not all like "nodding lap dogs."

Recently added - The NBPA's funding may have been frozen and Jarrett suggests he was not in power when this happened, but I believe he knew what was happening, he is incompetent. If what I believe to be the case is true, that a Senior official of the NBPA met with Mugabe, then I too am lost, I have no time for racists, and Mugabe is one of them. The question I ask is, was the Home Office aware that a Senior member of the NBPA did meet with Mugabe and that this was funded by the NBPA. Did Jarrett know about the Mugabe issue? What was the purpose of the visit? The NBPA is not about jollies but many use it for this purpose. It is about ensuring Lawrence and other murders don't happen, and ensuring some fairness inside. If the service only lets incompetent people in, then thje service sets the group up to essentially fail. And in my opinion Jarrett is incompetent on some issues of race as are other members of the cabinet. The essential question is why qualified members cannot get in?

Promises promises

In the twilight years
Since 1993 you’ve given us hope,
You’ve given us promises,
You’ve given us words indicating we are free.

And on the eve of the ‘secret’
You got together again,
You met in private, uttered words,
"shh, remain quiet."

And the next day,
All hell let loose.
You quivered briefly,
But then you thought,
" Let’s continue to play,
this hide and seek."

Yet again you made plans.
Even after all this evidence you said,
"This cannot be real,
It’s not possible, it’s not us."

I said, " Look carefully,
But you will never feel,
This to us is bloody and real.
Asian people are hated."
It affects me,
It affects my children,
and my family.

You looked on in amazement,
Your gaze said it all,
Once again I could see,
Your blindness was surreal.

Why then, I wonder,
Did you ask me my thoughts?
If after all, you rejected them,
Just as you do my cause.

Look within and you might see,
The real reason you abuse, our ethnicity,

From waiting outside your offices in silence,
To your rise,
I can see,
That your real priority, is you,
Not me.

So I say, "believe me,
Those promises you gave,
In years gone by,
those strategies, those actions,
And you yourself,
You are weak."

Whilst Black is a colour, a feeling,
A reaction,
Black is Black,
White is White.

A year later you asked a colleague their thoughts, and with incivility you again
Rubbished my walk.
See; race equality inside the police,
Your defenition of freedom,
Is just freaked.

Nothin - Getting real with Forces and the BPA, (2005)

So get real you folks,
Start telling the truth,
Stop selling out and being so uncouth.

The Black Police Association,
I got a message for you.
u think I’m dumb,
well I ain’t no fun.

But Chair,
what is it that you are doing?

Screwing them,
Licking ass,
Looking after yourself,
is just your beginning.

And what I see ,
is White in Black,
A Coconut, that’s you,
You ain’t Black.

You sell your colour,
You sell your image,
For personal gain,
And this so called "new beginning"!

After all of this,
Just ask your self,
You think we’re free,
No, not really.

And
What have you done for those little boys,
Stephen, Michael and Ricky.

The Force, listen up, I have a message for you.
The middle and senior managers,
your "ice" that I have bitten.

You think your cool.
But Actually you’re the "racist" fool.

You use us, you lose us,
And then you abuse us,
You even play games to diffuse us.

But what have you done,
For those little boys,
Stephen, Michael and Ricky.

NOTHING.

NOTHING.

NOTHING.

NOTHING.

NOTHING

YEAH MAN!

They fly up the ranks

What an interesting day I have had. Not! I saw one of the managers that froze me out of a post. I felt awful, but not scared. Why should I fear a racist and a bigot? I didn't avoid them. But I have nothing worthwhile to say to people like that.

Interestingly this very same manager, on a recent training course about race, froze the trainer at two very critical points during a course. You see, they are so clever, they don't need the training. What qualifications have they really got?

Oh no, but as Black officers when we say that these people are racists, we cannot be right can we? Oh no, we've got it totally wrong. It's our emotions you see. We can't provide facts. We just seem to have a chip on our shoulders and we use our hands as if we are hunting in the jungle. And we don't speak English either, we speak Jibberish African innit. We can't even write reports apparantly.

See, it is not only my view that this manager is a racist. One wonders what damage this person has done to race in their career if this is how badly they treat Black officers? But does this persons manager really care what two Black officers might say?

And why is it that the organisation cannot see the harm that individuals like this do? A blessing might be that the officer retires soon, but not until they have boosted their pension a little further........ You know so that they are secure and so their family is like secure. So they can send the kids to private schools. You know what I mean, a few pennies here and there will help these racist colleagues. They might even get promoted before they retire and that would add a bonus. Great! It's Ok, a qualification for promotion in most Forces is to be a racist and a bully. "Yep, you'll do, we'll promote you. Your a bit like me aren't you?"

Or they might even be given a job in policing. They could of course civilianise their own role, eh-hum. And write the criteria for the role, have it advertised externally, eh-hum, etc. Not that those external candidates would be at a disadvantage! Oh no, not at all. They wouldn't even know about it. Their manager might even then interview them. Of course the police service of today that has harnessed race equality and diversity would not allow these sorts of things would it? Think again. Bye........................