Senior police officer wins top award for Suffolk Police work

Det Ch Insp Mike Pereira (second from left) has been named Police Officer of the Year by the National Black Police Association

A Suffolk senior police officer has been named Police Officer of the Year by the National Black Police Association (NBPA).

Det Ch Insp Mike Pereira is head of the Regional Organised Crime Unit's cybercrime capability at the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).

He was recognised for an outstanding contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion in a previous role with Suffolk Police.

He said he was "incredibly proud".

As chair of Suffolk's Ethnic Police Association (SEPA), where he has been a member for 17 years and chairperson for the past four years, DCI Pereira tirelessly championed to support and create positive change for ethnic minority groups within policing.

He was recognised for his determination and dedication to be the driving force within Suffolk Constabulary for ethnic minorities, something which he has continued since joining ERSOU in the summer.

Det Ch Insp Pereira, who is on a secondment for his current role, said: "I am incredibly proud and humbled to have received this national award which still feels slightly surreal.

"I will always be a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion by supporting and giving a voice to ethnic minority groups who are still under-represented in policing today.

"Being chair of a staff support network was a great honour for me, and I feel proud knowing I brought about positive change in Suffolk."Det Ch Con Rob Jones from Suffolk Constabulary said the award was "fully deserved".

"He has been a great advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion across the force for many years, with one example being the work and support he has given to the Suffolk approach to the national Police Race Action Plan," he said.