Black Police Associations An Analysis of Race and Ethnicity Within Constabularies

Black Police Associations is based on Professor Holdaway's two-year ESRC funded project Black Police Associations (BPAs) in the UK. This project built upon the theoretical and evidential foundations of his previous work to analyze the new phenomenon of Black Police Associations established in the majority of constabularies in England and Wales. The author takes a sociological and theoretical approach to the subject, in contrast to current criminology which is more evaluative and policy oriented. The analysis is underpinned with the notion that race and ethnicity are socially constructed: the book describes and analyzes how race and ethnicity are constructed and sustained within constabularies and how they have changed during the last two decades, providing students, researchers and academics with a sociological perspective on understanding race within criminal justice institutions. Black Police Associations covers the history of BPAs; the construction and consequences of the notion of 'black' as a political emblem within constabularies; the work and influence of BPAs (nationally and within constabularies); post-McPherson policing; new forms of racism within constabularies; ethnic identities amongst ethnic minority police officers and BPAs, and the occupational culture. By analyzing the work of BPAs within constabularies, the author posits a number of implications for change within the management of constabularies.

Simon Holdoway is Head of the School of Law and Professor of Criminology & Sociology at the University of Sheffield. His special research interests are the occupational culture of the police and issues of race and diversity within the policing community. His studies of the recruitment and the retention of black and other ethnic minority officers have informed national policy and he has acted as an expert consultant on policing issues to the BBC, the Runnymede Trust and the Central Council of Probation Committees amongst others.