In this wide ranging conversation, Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray shares his personal journey growing up in Corby, Northamptonshire, as a person of colour in a predominantly white community. He discusses the challenges he faced, including racial abuse and a lack of trust in the police, which ultimately motivated him to join the force to effect change from within.

Dennis emphasizes the importance of diversity in policing and encourages individuals from minority backgrounds to consider careers in law enforcement, highlighting the opportunities available and the significant impact they can have on their communities.

Takeaways

• Growing up in a challenging environment shaped Dennis’s perspective on policing.
• Experiences of racial abuse led to distrust in the police.
• Joining the police was a way to effect change from within.
• Diversity in policing benefits the entire community.
• Policing offers various career paths and opportunities.
• Family background can influence perceptions of policing careers.
• Representation in law enforcement is crucial for community trust.
• Personal experiences can help bridge gaps between police and communities.
• Encouragement from mentors can inspire future police officers.
• Policing is a professional career with significant responsibilities.

Sound Bites

• “I had to go to a school five miles away.”
• “Nobody has ever achieved anything standing on the sidelines.”
• “If you think what the success looked like…”

Chapters

00:00 – Growing Up in Corby: A Personal Journey
12:41 – The Impact of Family and Community on Policing
19:19 – Encouraging Diversity in Policing Careers