Exposing the Toxic Culture Within West Midlands Police
In a shocking revelation, two highly experienced officers, Kiz Rano and Rocky Callum, have come forward with allegations of a toxic culture and harassment within the West Midlands Police force. Their claims highlight a troubling environment that punishes whistleblowers and prioritizes institutional reputation over the well-being of its officers and the communities they serve.
Kiz Rano served for 22 years within the police force, motivated by a desire to serve and protect the community, especially following the impact of the September 11 attacks and its aftermath on her local Birmingham neighborhood. As a woman of Asian descent, Rano's commitment propelled her to success within the organization, eventually being promoted to Chief Inspector, breaking barriers as one of the most senior female Asian officers in the region.
However, her journey took a darker turn as Rano began to confront a culture steeped in racism, misogyny, and oppression. Despite her frontline success and initial support, an eventual shift occurred when she initiated discussions addressing systemic discrimination within the police force.
In light of the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd's tragic murder, Rano established a monthly forum called "Brave Space." This initiative aimed to foster open conversations among officers regarding their experiences in the workplace and beyond. The outcomes of these discussions unveiled deeply ingrained prejudices, with officers disclosing alarming incidents of discrimination, harassment, and even misogyny.
Various disturbing incidents were reported, including racist slurs scrawled in police station areas and shocking statements made by senior officers that encapsulated misogyny and racism. Such examples not only depicted the hostile work environment officers faced but raised critical questions about their attitudes towards the very communities they were sworn to protect.
Rano's advocacy took a severe toll on her career. When she began to support another whistleblower, Rebecca Callum, who had also reported her experiences of systemic harassment and discrimination, Rano found herself ostracized. The organization that once celebrated her achievements seemingly closed ranks against her, halting any meaningful dialogue and asserting that her involvement in Callum's claims was unwanted.
The response from senior leadership was one of denial, claiming a resolution was in progress while actively dismissing Rano's proposals for change out of fear of upsetting the predominantly white male culture within the organization. This paradox between acknowledgment of racism and refusal to address systemic issues reveals the internal struggles that plague the force.
Rocky Callum, too, faced repercussions for supporting his wife, Rebecca Callum. Initially, he received support from his management; however, that support waned when he was called to testify in his wife's tribunal. He felt coerced into silence with threats of not placing pressure on public opinion should he testify. His story, alongside Rano’s, reiterates the environment of fear that discourages officers from standing up against toxic practices, effectively silencing dissent.
Despite the alarming revelations from Rano and Callum, West Midlands Police maintains that there is no place for discriminatory attitudes in their organization. The force asserts that there has been significant progress in addressing improper conduct and ensuring officer confidence in making internal reports. Yet, as Rano and Callum reiterate in their claims, there seems to be a stark contrast between the force’s public narrative and the harsh realities faced by officers on the ground.
To further unpack the organizational culture within law enforcement, former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, Neil Bassy, shared his reflections based on his extensive experience. He highlighted the shocking nature of the racist language exchanged among officers and the dismissive attitudes they displayed towards senior officers of diverse backgrounds.
Bassy expressed his concerns regarding how senior leadership continues to downplay the systemic racism permeating police culture, citing a persistent reluctance among senior officers to openly acknowledge the existence of institutional problems.
The testimony of Rano and Callum serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle within police forces to confront and reform discriminatory practices. Their narratives underline the urgent need for a cultural examination within West Midlands Police and similar organizations. Acknowledging deeply rooted issues and fostering a transparent dialogue are paramount if policing institutions are to regain the trust of marginalized communities.
As societal dialogues continue to unfold regarding systemic racism and police culture, cases like those of Kiz Rano and Rocky Callum remind us of the real, lived experiences of officers trapped in a web of toxic and adversarial environments that profoundly hinder the progress towards meaningful change and justice.
Part 1/9:
Exposing the Toxic Culture Within West Midlands Police
In a shocking revelation, two highly experienced officers, Kiz Rano and Rocky Callum, have come forward with allegations of a toxic culture and harassment within the West Midlands Police force. Their claims highlight a troubling environment that punishes whistleblowers and prioritizes institutional reputation over the well-being of its officers and the communities they serve.
A Journey of Commitment Turned Sour
Part 2/9:
Kiz Rano served for 22 years within the police force, motivated by a desire to serve and protect the community, especially following the impact of the September 11 attacks and its aftermath on her local Birmingham neighborhood. As a woman of Asian descent, Rano's commitment propelled her to success within the organization, eventually being promoted to Chief Inspector, breaking barriers as one of the most senior female Asian officers in the region.
However, her journey took a darker turn as Rano began to confront a culture steeped in racism, misogyny, and oppression. Despite her frontline success and initial support, an eventual shift occurred when she initiated discussions addressing systemic discrimination within the police force.
Shock and Disbelief Uncovered
Part 3/9:
In light of the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd's tragic murder, Rano established a monthly forum called "Brave Space." This initiative aimed to foster open conversations among officers regarding their experiences in the workplace and beyond. The outcomes of these discussions unveiled deeply ingrained prejudices, with officers disclosing alarming incidents of discrimination, harassment, and even misogyny.
Various disturbing incidents were reported, including racist slurs scrawled in police station areas and shocking statements made by senior officers that encapsulated misogyny and racism. Such examples not only depicted the hostile work environment officers faced but raised critical questions about their attitudes towards the very communities they were sworn to protect.
Part 4/9:
The Unraveling of Support
Rano's advocacy took a severe toll on her career. When she began to support another whistleblower, Rebecca Callum, who had also reported her experiences of systemic harassment and discrimination, Rano found herself ostracized. The organization that once celebrated her achievements seemingly closed ranks against her, halting any meaningful dialogue and asserting that her involvement in Callum's claims was unwanted.
Part 5/9:
The response from senior leadership was one of denial, claiming a resolution was in progress while actively dismissing Rano's proposals for change out of fear of upsetting the predominantly white male culture within the organization. This paradox between acknowledgment of racism and refusal to address systemic issues reveals the internal struggles that plague the force.
Consequences of Speaking Out
Part 6/9:
Rocky Callum, too, faced repercussions for supporting his wife, Rebecca Callum. Initially, he received support from his management; however, that support waned when he was called to testify in his wife's tribunal. He felt coerced into silence with threats of not placing pressure on public opinion should he testify. His story, alongside Rano’s, reiterates the environment of fear that discourages officers from standing up against toxic practices, effectively silencing dissent.
Denial of a Systemic Issue
Part 7/9:
Despite the alarming revelations from Rano and Callum, West Midlands Police maintains that there is no place for discriminatory attitudes in their organization. The force asserts that there has been significant progress in addressing improper conduct and ensuring officer confidence in making internal reports. Yet, as Rano and Callum reiterate in their claims, there seems to be a stark contrast between the force’s public narrative and the harsh realities faced by officers on the ground.
Insights from Law Enforcement Experts
Part 8/9:
To further unpack the organizational culture within law enforcement, former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, Neil Bassy, shared his reflections based on his extensive experience. He highlighted the shocking nature of the racist language exchanged among officers and the dismissive attitudes they displayed towards senior officers of diverse backgrounds.
Bassy expressed his concerns regarding how senior leadership continues to downplay the systemic racism permeating police culture, citing a persistent reluctance among senior officers to openly acknowledge the existence of institutional problems.
A Call for Change
Part 9/9:
The testimony of Rano and Callum serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle within police forces to confront and reform discriminatory practices. Their narratives underline the urgent need for a cultural examination within West Midlands Police and similar organizations. Acknowledging deeply rooted issues and fostering a transparent dialogue are paramount if policing institutions are to regain the trust of marginalized communities.
As societal dialogues continue to unfold regarding systemic racism and police culture, cases like those of Kiz Rano and Rocky Callum remind us of the real, lived experiences of officers trapped in a web of toxic and adversarial environments that profoundly hinder the progress towards meaningful change and justice.