Former officers tackle inequality in policing

Marcia Ore was the first black woman in training at West Midlands Police

More than 50 years after the first black woman joined the Met Police, black female police officers said they feel like their equality had been eroded away.

Two former West Midlands officers, Marcia Ore and Karen Geddes, said they have set up a conference to tackle the under-representation of black women in organisations like policing.

The event on Thursday, Women In The Shade, features stories from black women as they discuss the challenges they face.

"We will be unapologetically talking about black women," Marcia Ore said.

Speakers like Mina Smallman, the Church of England's first black female archdeacon, and solicitor Wendy Williams will appear at Thursday's event.

Co-organiser Ms Ore has promoted equality and diversity in policing and was the first black woman in training at West Midlands Police.

"There's something going wrong here, all the work that was done in the 80s and 90s, it seems like it’s gone a retrograde step," she said.

Karen Geddes became the first black female superintendent in the West Midlands

Ms Geddes was the West Midlands' first black female superintendent and said she was proud to have served her community for 30 years.

"As I transition away from policing, I still retain a passion to ensure people like me have a seat at the table of change," she said.

Women in the Shade aims to create an environment where black women’s talents, experiences, and perspectives are respected and valued , organisers said.

They said they hope to empower and support black women within policing.

The event will take place on Thursday at the BT Tower, Birmingham.