Race, Policing and Me - Inclusive Leadership in the 21st Century

The Hierarchies of Racism series continues for this academic year with our focus being on Policing. In this series we will speak to high ranking police officers and policing experts in order to gain an insight on the challenges faced by a public service that by its own admission is considered to be institutionally racist. The series will also delve into the measures that have been adopted as an attempt recalibrate this assessment.

In this talk Neil Basu QPM will speak about his lived experience of being the highest-ranking police officer of colour in the UK within the most diverse city in the world. He will talk about his experience of racism, policing and prejudice, and what he think needs to be to done about it.

Neil Basu QPM is a retired police officer and career detective who served 30 years in the Metropolitan Police Service, rising from Constable to Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations and national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing; a ~£1 billion organisation leading 10,000 personnel working with MI5 to ‘defend the realm.’ In 2021 he was appointed Non-Executive Director at the College of Policing representing National Police Chiefs Council. He led the 2021 Strategic Command Course, policing’s most senior leadership programme for aspiring Chief Constables and retired in November 2022, the holder of the Queens Policing Medal.

This event is open to all and free to attend.

This event will take place in Gatsby Room on the first floor of the Chancellor's Centre. It has step-free access with a lift and there is an accessible toilet located each floor of the building.

This event is organised by Wolfson's REACH Research Hub, an interdisciplinary meeting place for the promotion and facilitation of culturally diverse research.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, Barton Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom