User:WMPBAPA

How BAPA was created.

1993: Murder of Stephen Lawrence. Following the racially motivated murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993, the subsequent public enquiry in 1998 identified widespread racism in both the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service. The enquiry has led to significant changes in attitudes towards racism and the police service, with key changes to policing policies. A number of our BME officers who joined in the 1990s have highlighted the Stephen Lawrence enquiry as a trigger for them wanting to join the police and affect change from within.

1994: September 1994 the Metropolitan Black Police Association (BPA) was official launched by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Condon, who declared that its formation was the only way forward in tackling the significant amounts of BME police officers and staff leaving police forces across the country.

1996: On the 1st January 1996 black officers and support staff met for the first time in West Midlands Police to explore their reality in the police service and to share openly their feelings and experiences. The basis of these discussions was to address the disproportionately high number of black officers leaving the service and from this; an informal social network was established. The following 12 months saw BPA go from strength to strength, frequently being called upon to participate in training conferences and address 'misconceptions within the black community'. Representatives attended all functions in their own time, without any financial support or formal recognition.

This year also saw the formation of the National Communication Network, which consisted of BME staff members from different forces right across the country. Their motto was ‘One Voice, Strength in Unity’ and this remains the National Black Police Association (NBPA) motto.

1997: The Chief Constable Edward Crew and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Sybill Spence formally launched the WMPBPA. The organisation now known as WMPBAPA and continues to work to on behalf of BAME staff, officers and community.

Do you have a story to tell? Help us to document and celebrate the work of BME within West Midlands Police. If anyone has photos, articles or stories to tell and would like to get involved, please contact by email BAPA at bapa@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk