The ACRG Conference
LEARNING FROM OUR BLACK HISTORY
For purposes of this article ACRG stands for African Caribbean Reference Group, moving forward I will use the acronyms of ACRG.
INTRODUCTION:
On Saturday 9th November 2024 the ACRG and West Midlands Police Service had hosted a conference day. This was presented at the learning and educational unit in Edgbaston, The Tally Ho, building. The conference day consisted of understanding more about the group ACRG, learning about the training provided to staff members within the service, the police race action plan and much loved Caribbean food. I have been a member of this group since November 2022. I have been provided with a rounded experience of insight and knowledge across the 2 years. Made many great connections and relationships within the criminal justice system. I look forward to the upcoming years of working with those representing West Midlands Police and in the Criminal Justice System.
AFRICAN CARIBBEAN REFERENCE GROUP:
Everton Burke OBE is one of the founding members of the ACRG who gave an initial rounded speech speaking about the make up of the ACRG.
The ACRG was founded in the year 2012. Why? The year of the Olympics and 50th anniversary for Jamaican independence. The purpose of the group was founded on the reason of policing acts were wrong. This group built up together in hope to help support and find a solution to influence local policing and inform consultations on wider social and economic matters. A key component of the group (still standing today) is to offer and suggest better policing solutions through the valuable experience of its members.
The police representatives who have been supporting the movement of this group has acted in a policy of open policing. This group has had the opportunity to learn, see and witness a variety of policing tactics, methods, and documentations in practice. This include, but are not limited to: inform of strategic plans, observe operations, visiting the command room, joining police patrols, witnessing body worn footage before trials by the service.
The ACRG has been acting as a critical friend to the service since 2012. A important stance taken is that you cannot hesitate that you are getting things wrong but it is how we act following the action taken place. This has enabled the members to access a real insight into how police officers and West Midlands service behaves. The ACRG has contributed to policing progression, for example the support of helping to raft the 2019 hate crime statement which is read out in current criminal court cases.
The ultimate aim of our group is to improve OUR officers understanding of serving their black communities. It is a team that needs to support and guide one another.
POLICE OFFICER AND STAFF MEMBERS TRAINING:
There are currently around 12,000 officers and staff members within the West Midlands Police Service. Three hours training package has been created and to be delivered to those all across the Police organisation. The package has to meet the needs of the listener to have an impact. There has been a flow of communication over four years to meet a package that meets all the objectives and ears of those hearing. It has been a continued (and continuing) development.
As seen through universal issues and behaviours, this package unapologetically is focused on supporting and learning about the black community. It a journey of making tough and difficult decisions, and it is only humility that will enable the acceptance of criticism. There are different reactions and emotions from those watching this training, but it also sets a foundational ground for the kind of officer and staff member that is expected to serve West Midlands Police.
So far around 1700 officers have been taught this package. There has now been taken a stance of the distributive local model. Volunteers have came forward to speak to those in the departments and deliver this package. To ensure that it is delivered appropriately there has been strict lesson plans and online videos to support the volunteers.
BLACK HISTORY TRAINING:
Aim : To have an understanding of the West Midlands Police Race Action Plan. To understand the history of policing and the effects on the black community.
Introduction :
ACC Mike O'Hara is the chief constable and race action plan lead for West Midlands Police. He provides a video to the trainees prior to learning offering wisdom and advice. He says that to listen is to absorb. The purpose of the training is to improve both staff knowledge and understanding. This training provides quality to the community through the staff actions after learning about black history.
WHY this training?
Discussion and Survey: These are presented throughout the training for the purpose of democratisation. It also serves as a vehicle for discussions whilst the training presents important conversation starters.
Significant National Events:
Significant Regional Events:
Police Officers :
Ralph Ramadhar - first black officer in Birmingham
Pauline Campbell Moss - first female black officer in Birmingham
Matt Ward - Deputy Assistant Commissioner, most senior black officer
WMP Lived Experiences pt 1 : A video was shown exploring the different opinions and views of staff members within the West Midlands Force. A few topical views were: the commonality of microaggressions, there is an immediate connection from someone who looks like you, there are differences in where you come from, and the importance of open dialogue.
Key Issues :
Are we as progressive as we think that we are ?
Procedural Justice:
Respect / Fairness / Legitimacy
WMP Lived Experiences pt 2 : A video was shown exploring the different opinions and views of staff members within the West Midlands Force. A few topical views were: we are part of a community, we have not been treated fairly throughout history, the organisations need to own that racism exists and causes hurt and pain. The police service need to push forward an anti racist agenda. We need allies, white colleagues to make the change. Microaggression without challenge, take responsibility by actions. Improve the way that we communicate and treat others. It IS a hard journey.
Policing and the Law : Stop and search is a toolkit to keep the community safe. It can be practiced within a humane, professional and thoughtful way. Behaviour - Attitude. However, the history of stop and search powers through the sus law should NOT be forgotten.
WMP Lived Experiences pt 3 : A video was shown exploring the different opinions and views of staff members within the West Midlands Force. A few topical views were: "you fit the description". The approach and body language towards the public is important, no one wants to be made an example of themselves, or hear words such as "be careful next time". Word of choice can be overpowering. Explain the context, relate with them, word choice, apology, bringing the tone down. Eliminate dehumanisation and degrading in strip searches. Avoid the unit of police officers where it is not needed. Explain the reason clearly as to why one is taken to the nearest police station. Glasses should NOT be a cause of concern for arrest.
Now implemented by West Midlands Service is a QR code after a stop and search has taken place. It enables those who experienced the search and surrounding individuals to report feedback on their experience. This will be loaded as a form that can be accessed at their station unit. For those without a smartphone will be able to request for a copy form from the supervising police officer.
There is a power in a police officers presence - recognise the impact!
SHAME : A feeling that one cannot trust the institution. It is a powerful emotion that challenges what is inside of you. There should be a communicative relationship between the shamer and shamee.
EMPLOYEE OF CHOICE : We should all be ambassadors in our daily work to promote careers in policing. There is a expression of interest app that can be accessed by those wanting to learn more about a career in policing. Diversity is essential for better policing.
RACE ACTION PLAN:
Not under protected, involved represented.
Not over policed.
The purpose of the Race Action Plan is to promote an anti racist culture, value and behaviour. It was launched in 2022 to enable the police service to look inwards and collect data to really show the police service what the issues are. The plan is sought to be critical, yet enables the holding of policing to account.
WORKSTREAMS:
There needs to be cultural understanding of the community to make race a topic of conversation. Engagement and co-design. Scrutiny panels to hold individuals and the service accountable for change.
There has to be a navigation in the white space to learn. There has to be navigation through understanding cultural differences. Coaching is key to learn and develop our professional and personal selves. Management cannot be done just by our own merit. Having a network will help to deliver guidance, information, communication skills and abilities to progress forward.
Ultimately, the day provided insight into the policing service of West Midlands. The steps that have been taken as a service to equip and provide learning to the staff members. But furthermore, created a space to connect and speak with others about their experiences. For policing to improve the service needs the personal experiences and critic to make action steps for improvement. I am proud to be apart of this movement.
Elicia Maxwell
Member of the African Caribbean Reference Group