Law & Order
Empowering Change: Dr. Alison Heydari Appointed as Programme Director for Police Race Action Plan
“"Removing discrimination in our service remains a key priority for myself and all Chief Constables. While building an anti-racist policing service is a momentous undertaking, I am confident that with Alison taking a lead, the Plan will achieve our ambitions and provide a policing service that can be trusted by everyone we serve." - Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council.”
Black Wall St. MediaContributor
In a significant and commendable move towards advancing diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in law enforcement, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing proudly introduce Dr. Alison Heydari as the appointed Programme Director for the Police Race Action Plan.
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Dr. Heydari, a seasoned law enforcement professional with a remarkable career trajectory, brings a wealth of experience and a fervent commitment to steering this pivotal initiative.
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Dr. Heydari’s journey within the realm of policing commenced in the year 2000, as a student officer with the Hampshire Constabulary.
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Over the course of her illustrious career, she has ascended through the ranks, culminating in her becoming the most senior Black female police officer in the United Kingdom.
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As the newly appointed Programme Director, Dr. Heydari is entrusted with charting the course for the Police Race Action Plan. This responsibility entails collaborating with communities, the NPCC, national portfolio leads (including Stop and Search), the College of Policing, Chief Constables, police officers, and staff.
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Her overarching goal is to cultivate trust, confidence, and legitimacy within the policing landscape.
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Dr. Heydari’s strategic vision includes:
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Comprehensive Community Strategy and Delivery Plan: Crafting a robust strategy and execution plan that encompasses the needs and expectations of diverse communities.
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Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring active and genuine engagement with stakeholders, including underrepresented communities.
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Prioritising Impactful Initiatives: Identifying and prioritizing initiatives that will have a tangible and positive impact on Black communities.
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Resource Allocation: Ensuring that the dedicated personnel involved in this critical work have the necessary resources to excel.
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Dr. Heydari’s role also extends to close collaboration with the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB), the National Black Policing Association (NBPA), and various organizations and stakeholders specializing in anti-racism efforts.
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The genesis of the Police Race Action Plan can be traced back to 2020, a year that bore witness to the tragic murder of George Floyd and the subsequent emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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The Plan was conceived as a response to the urgent need for transformative change within the police service to address racial disparities and promote an anti-racist ethos.
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Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Heydari stated,
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“Policing has come a long way over my 23-year policing career; we are now more inclusive and diverse than we have ever been. However, there is still much to be done to remove all discrimination and gain the trust and confidence of our Black staff and members of the public.”
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BWSM had the privilege of interviewing the most senior black female police officer in the UK.
Commander Dr. Alison HEYDARI of the London Metropolitan Police. She is passionate about mentoring others to reach their full potential and celebrating diversity both inside and outside the Met. She talks about what inspired her to become a police officer? Her most memorable and proudest moments in your policing career? Her most challenging aspects of policing she faces? And so much more. Get to know the most the most senior female black police officers in the UK.
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Dr. Heydari’s career journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
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She has delved into various specialist roles, including public protection, criminal investigations, hate crime, human trafficking, and child abuse.
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Her operational expertise has been enriched through secondments to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue, as well as teaching at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.
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Dr. Heydari’s accomplishments extend beyond her operational roles; she is a trained Negotiator and a Public Order and Public Safety Gold Commander. Her passion for the implementation of Procedural Justice is reflected in her published commentaries, research, and papers.
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In her relatively short tenure with the Metropolitan Police since June 2020, Dr. Heydari has left an indelible mark. Notable accomplishments during her tenure include the creation of a new reporting system for vehicle stops, the utilisation of cutting-edge technology like augmented reality to enhance officer learning, improved accessibility for public involvement in Advisory and Scrutiny panels, and the development of national guidance in various areas, including pre-recording on body-worn cameras.
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Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Heydari’s appointment, saying,
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“Removing discrimination in our service remains a key priority for myself and all Chief Constables. While building an anti-racist policing service is a momentous undertaking, I am confident that with Alison taking a lead, the Plan will achieve our ambitions and provide a policing service that can be trusted by everyone we serve.”
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Abimbola Johnson, Chair of the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, also welcomed Dr. Heydari’s appointment, emphasizing the need for innovation in delivering an anti-racist agenda.
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The ISOB has outlined key recommendations to enhance the Race Action Programme, including restructuring it to better reflect an anti-racism approach, adequate resource provision, increased external stakeholder engagement, a clear communications strategy, and tangible performance metrics.
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This pivotal appointment of Dr. Alison Heydari heralds a new era in the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist police service in the UK.
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It underscores the commitment of the NPCC, the College of Policing, and the broader law enforcement community to effect real change and ensure that policing truly serves and reflects the diverse society it protects. Dr. Heydari’s leadership will undoubtedly play a central role in realizing these aspirations.
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The journey to creating a more equitable and just society is ongoing, and the appointment of Dr. Heydari is a significant stride forward in this important endeavour.
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On behalf of BWSM, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Alison Heydari on her pivotal appointment as the Programme Director for the Police Race Action Plan. Your dedication to advancing diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in law enforcement is both commendable and inspiring. We are confident that under your leadership, we will witness meaningful strides towards a more equitable and just policing landscape. Cheers to a brighter, inclusive future!
Black Wall St. MediaContributor
