Rocking the Boat: A Superintendent's 30 Year Career Fighting Institutional Racism

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Paul Wilson

Rocking the Boat

A Superintendent's 30 Year Career Fighting Institutional Racism

Paul Wilson

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English

SRL Publishing
14 June 2022

Biography: general; Emergency services; Police & security services

'This book is critical to continue the conversation on Race, Discrimination, Black Lives, Culture and White Privilege. A Must Read!' - Lethepu Matshaba, Vice President, Unilever South Africa

Rocking the Boat chronicles the career of a black police officer's extraordinary and unprecedented determination in challenging a police occupational culture steeped in racism.

In the year 2020, considerable attention was being paid to the issue of institutional racism in US law enforcement. However, this is not the first time, or the only country, in which this same issue has become relevant and pressing. As a black police officer in the UK between 1983 and 2010, Paul Wilson was in the centre of a similar wave of interest and was personally involved in many of the institutional changes that were suggested, debated, opposed, and fought in the UK during this time.

The author's authority on the subject of institutional racism in British policing has been acknowledged over and over, as can be seen by his involvement as a consultant in numerous news and current affairs programmes; the many interviews with him that have appeared in the British media; his invitations to speak at events in France, Canada, South Africa, the UK and the US; and his status as the first British black person ever to be awarded a Fulbright Police Fellowship Award.

Though it addresses painful topics, this book is entertaining in addition to being educational. The author's experiences as a constable on the streets of Croydon, his meeting of US President George W. Bush and his being rescued by a renowned jazz musician when he's accidentally locked inside an apartment in Harlem, New York, are some of the events that provide humorous counterpoints to the heavy main story. More than a simple history lesson, these anecdotes turn the book into a pleasurable read.

By: Paul Wilson
Imprint: SRL Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 21mm
Weight: 540g
ISBN: 9781915073013
ISBN 10: 1915073014
Pages: 404
Publication Date: 14 June 2022
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Paul Wilson retired from London's Metropolitan Police as a superintendent after 31 years of public service. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the UK's first Black Police Association, and was responsible for a significant number of reports centred around the issue of institutional racism and police service delivery to black and minority ethnic communities, as well as a plethora of media appearances and contributions on the topic. As the first black British recipient of the Fulbright police fellowship award, and the author of a report and subsequent oral testimony on institutional racism at the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, Paul's authority on the subject is beyond question. Now, he uses his knowledge of and experiences with this subject to give a personal recount of the proliferation of, and slow progress in, the fight against racism in British policing.

Reviews for Rocking the Boat: A Superintendent's 30 Year Career Fighting Institutional Racism

'There is racism in the Metropolitan Police Service. It does have an impact on black police officers. It does contribute significantly in their decision to resign.' This unabashed statement from Paul Wilson was made 28 years ago when, as a sergeant he began efforts to set up the first constituted Black Police Association in the country. His explosive remarks came the day before the murder of Stephen Lawrence in April 1993. His book is a thought provoking narrative on the policing of colour inside and outside the Metropolitan Police spanning 3 decades, and from a senior officer who spent his career challenging the blind eyes to racism through the ranks. He offers a fascinating insight into how a black police officer endures firstly colleagues' racist insults and then the more endemic prejudice to become the Met Police's first ever black superintendent in Brixton. Last year's events around Black Lives Matter and the recurring controversies over stop and search are testament to Paul Wilson's analysis and his unrelenting battles for racial justice - Simon Israel Rocking the Boat presents a challenging read at this particular time for those concerned with the police and race relations ... The author is to be commended for his courage in sharing his experiences - Trevor Hall CBE, retired Race Equality Advisor to the Home Office For some, it brings back painful memories. For others, it will be met with disbelief and dismissal. It is part of New Scotland Yard's history ... into an institution of much greatness yet remains with issues when it comes to race that it finds difficult to acknowledge and thus resolve - Patricia F Gallan QPM, retired Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police From establishing the Black Police Association, heavily influencing the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, discussing issues with a Home Secretary, a Prime Minister, and an American President, Paul's impact on policing cannot be overestimated. This book is not only a historical look over a fascinating career and an inspirational story of overcoming adversity, but it is also an important wake-up call in the Black Lives Matter era - Lord Brian Paddick, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police A fact based, honest account of our divided world. As a Black female growing up in Apartheid South Africa and rising through the corporate world, I found some starking similarities and genuine inspirations in this book. Paul inspires the reader to never settle and have the courage of personal convictions. He evokes raw emotions - anger, surprise, pride, love and hope. This book is critical to continue the conversation on Race, Discrimination, Black Lives, Culture and White Privilege. A Must Read! - Lethepu Matshaba, Vice President, Unilever South Africa