Police Now colleagues marked Black History Month this October with a series of events, reflections and celebrations, in line with our ongoing commitment to building an inclusive workplace and celebrating our people.
This year’s theme, ‘Standing firm in power and pride’, celebrates the strength, resilience and achievements of Black individuals and communities. It’s a reminder of the importance of representation, identity and belonging – not just in October, but all year round.
At Police Now HQ, we were joined by a Police Now officer specialising in Counter Terrorism, who shared personal reflections about her journey into policing and what this year’s theme means to her as a Black woman on the frontline. Her reflections highlighted the importance of visibility and voice in spaces where diversity is still growing, and the power of standing firm in who you are.
She said: “For me standing firm in power and pride means being proud of the work I do – regardless of rank or title.
“Standing firm is about values. It’s about integrity, courage and empathy. It’s about showing pride not just in who I am, but in the standard I set – especially knowing that as a Black woman in this space, there aren’t many people who look like me. That visibility matters.
“And this is what I really value about Police Now – it’s an organisation that prides itself on transforming communities by developing inspiring, diverse individuals to lead on the policing frontline. I know I’m making a difference, and I hope my presence helps others see that they belong here too.”
We also welcomed IRIE! Dance Theatre for a drumming workshop influenced by African and Caribbean rhythms. Founded in 1985 to raise the profile of Black dance in Britain, IRIE! continues to champion African and Caribbean cultural expression today.
Event organiser, Lucy Smith, said: “The workshop with IRIE! was brilliant. We did a mix of drumming, tried out handheld percussion like shakers and cowbells, and even some African dancing. Music is such a huge part of Black culture, and it felt special to be able to step into that and celebrate it as a team.”
Across the organisation, teams also marked the month in their own ways including visiting a locally Black-owned restaurant for lunch to support community businesses. Our office was decorated with flags representing Black countries around the world – a visual celebration of global heritage and pride.
Police Now is proud to be a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer, bringing difference and diversity into policing to help forces better reflect the communities they serve. At Police Now HQ, we’re committed to role modelling what inclusion should look like – building a workplace where colleagues feel celebrated for who they are and empowered to stand firm in their power and pride.
