Exclusive: Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh on Policing London’s Most Diverse Boroughs

Interview with Police Borough Commander for Southwark and Lambeth: Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh

We sat down with Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, the Borough Commander for Lambeth and Southwark, to discuss his background, the challenges and rewards of policing in these diverse areas, and what makes them such unique parts of London.

Images supplied by Elevated Minds CIC

From Hackney to Leadership in the Met

Seb Adjei-Addoh’s name reflects his proud heritage. “It’s a Ghanaian surname,” he explains. “I’m a very proud Ashanti—both my parents are from Kumasi. It’s an amazing place.”

Born and raised in Hackney, East London, Seb has built an extensive career in the Metropolitan Police Service, rising to the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent. In his current role as Basic Command Unit (BCU) Commander for Lambeth and Southwark, he oversees policing in two of London’s most dynamic boroughs.

Policing in One of London’s Most Vibrant Areas

What makes Lambeth and Southwark such special places to police? Seb highlights the unique mix of cultures and communities that define these boroughs.

“The fact that it’s both central London and inner-city London combined makes it fascinating,” he said.

Brixton, he points out, is widely considered the “spiritual heartbeat of Black London.” For many African migrants, Peckham serves as a second home, a hub of African culture and identity in the city.

Beyond cultural diversity, Seb also acknowledges the vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife and community in these boroughs.

“I love variety, I love diversity, and you get all of that wrapped up in the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark,” he said with enthusiasm.

A Career Shaped by Opportunity and Values

Seb’s journey into policing wasn’t necessarily driven by childhood ambition but rather by the career opportunities available at the time. Like many Black Britons of his generation, he faced a labour market where career choices were often dictated by where opportunities arose.

“For me, it was very much about looking at what kind of job would offer stability, financial security, and the ability to support a family,” he explains. “At the same time, I wanted to do something that allowed me to give back to my community.”

After completing a Master’s degree at Exeter University, Seb explored several career paths, including teaching, working in local government, or policing—all roles that involved public service.

“What attracted me to policing was the fact that it was physical and dynamic—it allowed me to stay active while also making a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “And honestly, I would probably have been the world’s worst teacher—I just don’t have the patience for it!”

A Strong Sense of Justice

More than just a career choice, policing aligned with Seb’s deeply held values.

“I’ve always believed in right and wrong, in justice, and in standing up for the underdog,” he said. “Throughout my life, I’ve seen hardworking people simply trying to go about their lives, only to have crime and wrongdoing impact them. If I could protect people, that felt like a calling.”

His natural inclination to support those in need, combined with a commitment to fairness, made policing a natural fit.

Shaping Leadership Through Experience

Seb’s approach to leadership has been shaped by both personal experience and professional challenges.

“I think the greatest thing that has shaped my leadership is the fact that I was Black before I was a police officer,” he said. “I’ve never forgotten that. Growing up in London, I didn’t trust the police. I didn’t even know why—I just knew I wouldn’t call them, and I wouldn’t put myself in situations where I had to interact with them.”

That personal history gave him a unique perspective when he joined the Met and started working alongside dedicated and principled officers. It also instilled in him a lifelong commitment to bridging the gap between Black communities and the police.

“One of the key themes throughout my career has been: How do we rebuild trust? Particularly between Black communities and the police,” he explains. “And what I’ve found is that it’s really, really difficult. It’s not something that will be solved in my lifetime. But, as my mum always said, ‘Bit by bit.’ If I can contribute to that progress, then that’s enough.”

Images supplied by Elevated Minds CIC

Building Trust with Communities

So how does he approach the complex and ongoing task of rebuilding trust?

Seb emphasizes that it starts with honesty.

“I don’t try to pretend things are perfect. I don’t act like I have all the answers—because I don’t,” he says. “But honesty is the foundation.”

He references the Baroness Casey Review, which highlighted that the police still have a long way to go in being the right fit for the communities they serve. He acknowledges that Lambeth and Southwark are no exception.

“We’re not where we need to be. But we’re working hard to get there.”

For Seb, the ultimate measure of success is when young Black Londoners from areas like Peckham or Lambeth see policing as a viable and respected career choice.

“If a young Black woman from one of the biggest estates turns around and says, ‘I want to join the police,’ and that’s not just a one-off, but a consensus—that’s real change.”

To get there, the Met must ensure that people feel protected by the police rather than threatened.

“Right now, I think a lot of people in our community still see policing as a threat. We have a long way to go, but we have to keep working towards a service that people truly believe is there to protect them.”

Looking Ahead: Slow but Steady Progress

Despite the challenges, Seb remains optimistic.

“Things are slowly changing. It’s a long road, but we’re moving in the right direction.”