Current timestamp: 05/07/2022 02:00:17
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

Leicestershire Police logo

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Breach of coronavirus (Covid-19) measures
    • Road traffic incident
    • Antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
    • Possible breach of coronavirus (Covid-19) measures
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Register as an overseas visitor
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

Force celebrates 25 years of the Black Police Association

Main article content

Navigation

News

15:28 01/10/2019

“The more like our communities we are, the better we can police” – those were the words of Chief Constable Simon Cole speaking at today’s event to celebrate 25 years of Leicestershire’s Black Police Association.

A packed lecture theatre at force headquarters heard candid stories from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) officers about their career and experiences in policing across the years.

The event marked the start of Black History Month and aimed to recognise the achievements of the BAME community in policing.

Mr Cole described it as a “joyous occasion” and said that he was “absolutely committed to making sure the force represents the community it serves.”

Among the speakers on the day was former Inspector Stan Braithwaite who flew in from Barbados where he now lives. Stan was the first black officer to complete 30 years’ service with the force and received an extremely warm welcome from the many officers, staff and volunteers in attendance.

In addition, Sergeant Mel Thomas, who has nearly 30 years’ service with Leicestershire Police, spoke about his career and policing journey which included many high points.

He said: “I am not a token. I believe in what I do and I’m proud to be an officer in Leicestershire. It’s allowed me to fulfil my dreams both professionally and through my love of sport. I’ve worked across many units and been involved in several policing sports teams which has seen me travel the world.

“I would say to anyone considering joining the service, it will develop you in ways you can never imagine.”

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Nixon and Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach also attended the event to listen to the personal stories of past and present officers.

Mr Nixon, said: “Our celebration event was a great chance to come together and acknowledge the valuable contribution of colleagues.

“We recognise that we serve one of the most diverse communities in the country, and over the next few years have a fantastic opportunity to ensure we hire the best recruits from a wide cross-section of the communities we serve.”

The event’s theme was ‘History Through Our Eyes’, which covered the understanding and context of Black History Month and migration, as well as a talk from guest speaker and President of the National Black Police Association, Tola Munro, who talked about his time studying in Leicester.

Tina Paul, Chair of the Black Police Association (BPA), said: “Black History Month is a significant month to recognise all BME who have paved the way for others. It also highlights the importance of fairness, equality and diversity.

“It was wonderful having past, current and future police officers and staff attend such a landmark celebration on our 25th year anniversary of the Black Police Association.

“Alongside the Metropolitan Police, we were the only other force to celebrate 25 years of the Black Police Association, which is incredible and makes me proud.”

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Leicestershire Police

  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Campaigns
  • News
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Thanks and complaints

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on

© Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.