Black History Month

October is Black History Month, a really important opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic people.

For us in Police Scotland, it’s a chance to celebrate the enormous value and contribution that Black and Minority Ethnic people bring to Scotland and to policing in Scotland.

Throughout the month, we will support activities and share messages focusing on Black History, in Scotland, and across the world.

During Black History Month We’ll be working with our colleagues at SEMPER (Supporting Ethnic Minority Police employees) Scotland, to further develop our commitments to black and minority ethnic officers and staff, and keeping our communities safe.

SEMPER Scotland is one of our committed diversity staff associations who work tirelessly to inspire a diverse and inclusive policing workforce that fully represents the changing demographics of Scottish communities.

Last week Police Scotland outlined the action that will be taken as part of the organisation’s commitment to diversity and to addressing injustice and disadvantage in society and the organisation under its Policing Together strategy.

Detailed plans are already underway to enhance recruitment, leadership and training to develop a culture which reflects Police Scotland’s values of integrity, fairness, respect and commitment to upholding human rights.

The consent, support and cooperation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of the identity and legitimacy of policing in Scotland, which is a diverse country.

To ensure that bond is as strong as possible, we must fully represent and reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is an operational necessity and morally the right thing to do.

Last week a number of officers and staff gathered together at our Black History Month launch event to listen to inputs from various speakers who spoke about what Black History Month means to them. 

Throughout Black History Month, we will support activities and share messages focusing on Black History, in Scotland, and across the world, and celebrating the achievements of Black and Minority Ethnic people.

Positive Action recruitment event

Police Scotland is committed to increasing the number of officers and staff from under-represented groups so that we truly reflect the communities we serve.

To celebrate Black History Month, Police Scotland is hosting an online recruitment event aimed at the black and minority ethnic (BME) population of Scotland.

This will take place on Thursday, 27 October, 2022 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. In order to participate in the event, Microsoft Teams will be required.

We recognise the importance of our communities being able to relate to our police officers and, therefore, Police Scotland is actively reaching out to diverse communities and encouraging members of the BME community to consider a career in policing in Scotland.

During the online recruitment event users will learn about:

• the recruitment process
• training
• the role of a police officer and
• the endless opportunities available to you once you embark on this exciting career path.

Those attending will also have the opportunity to hear from serving police officers.

For more information and to reserve a space please email: recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.police.uk providing your name, contact number and what event you would like to attend.

Please also send a request to join our closed Police Scotland Positive Action Facebook page.  

Your Police Survey

Police Scotland serves all of Scotland's communities - the rich diversity of people that make up our country's population. To better understand everyone's views and attitude towards our policing, we need insight from all communities including black and minority ethnic communities.

We want to hear your views, your perspective. Let us know what we’re getting right and what we can do better.

You can do this by completing our Your Police survey.

Your feedback will help to shape our priorities. Thank you for your support.