Avon and Somerset Constabulary - Black Police Association

Black Police Association

In 1807 slavery was abolished in Britain. 200 years on, however, Black communities still face significant challenges.

Today, unified, our voices are louder than ever before.

Read the Workshop discussions that took place during the Conference

The Black Police Association (BPA) was introduced into the Avon and Somerset area in 1998 as a direct result of the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the subsequent McPherson report. Ethnic minority staff had already formed their own informal support group and from this network the Avon and Somerset BPA was born.

We define the term black, not by denoting skin colour, but as an accepted generic term used to describe 'visible minority' people of African, African-Caribbean and Asian origin; who share a common experience to oppose the effects of racism, victimisation and isolation.

Our strength is generated from our commitment to our members,

our communities and our organisation.

The aims of the association are to improve links within the community and improve the working environment for all personnel within the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The aims will be achieved by:

working closely with all staff associations to represent the needs and expectations of all visible minority ethnic staff;
being a support network;
being instrumental in improving retention, recruitment and progression;
assisting in the development of new and existing policies to ensure that there is no disproportionate impact on minority staff or communities;
working towards improving relations between the police and multi-cultural communities;
providing a social network.

We have representatives in many departments within Avon and Somerset Constabulary, both police officers and support staff, who, through their endeavours are trying to raise awareness of the BPA both inside and outside the organisation.

National BPA website