Merseyside Black Police Association & career within Merseyside Police

The Merseyside Black Police Association (MBPA) definition of ‘black’ is one that emphasises the common experience and determination of people of African, African-Caribbean, Asian, and Asian-sub-continent or define themselves as an ethnic minority, to oppose racism, victimisation and its effects.

Our role is to provide empathetic support to our full members and we do not supersede the Police Federation or unions. The first BPA was formed in 1994 by the Metropolitan Police to stem the tide of ‘black’ staff who were leaving in droves. The BPA movement has made a significant contribution towards slowing this trend down.

As Chair of Merseyside BPA, my ambition is to oversee an organisation that acts as a catalyst for positive change: to ensure ‘black’ staff receive equal & fair treatment in order to fulfil their potential and the minority communities we serve, perceive that we understand their needs and feel we are servicing them appropriately.

The Police service is modernising and there is a far greater cultural emphasis on lifelong learning and professional development. For example, the recently re-launched Higher Potential Development (HPD) scheme identifies potential leaders, be they Police officer or Police staff (civilian) to accelerate their development through the Force. The Merseyside Police Academy Crime faculty, opened in April 2007, is intended as a Centre of Excellence: to be internationally recognised for developing its people.

For more information on MBPA or if you are considering a career in the Police service, please log onto our website and click the ‘recruitment’ icon where you will find information on various roles and current vacancies within Merseyside Police, including the opportunity to be kept updated of new vacancies as they arise.

Vinny Tomlinson

Chair, Merseyside Black Police Association

http://www.merseysidebpa.org.uk