West Midlands' only black superintendent retires after 32 years

Keith Fraser - the only black superintendent currently with West Midlands Police - has urged more members of the black community to “make a difference" by choosing police careers as he brings an end to career which has seen him go from beat patrols in Barking, via New Scotland Yard to the region.

During this time he has worked in child protection, crime investigation, neighbourhood policing and took on specialist roles like tactical firearms commander.

He has been a police officer since 1985.

Supt Fraser said: “One of the proudest moments in my life was putting on my uniform for the first time: the look of pride on my family’s faces will never leave me. It made me feel so happy and confirmed I’d make the right decision.

“I’ve lost track of the amount of times people have come up to me in the street to shake my hand or say how ‘it’s good to see a black police officer here’ − some have literally stopped their car to get out and say thanks.

“People who are not white shouldn’t be such a rarity in policing."

“The service really does need and value difference.

"Anyone who cares about their communities should look at joining the police, there is no point standing on the outside looking in when you could make a real difference."

Around nine per cent of West Midlands Police officers are from Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities − the second highest representation in UK policing − and the force has introduced a programme aimed at attracting, developing and retaining BME staff.

Mr Fraser said that in his experience there is 'less racism in the police than some people want to believe' and added that police do a lot of work behind the scenes that goes unnoticed.

He said: “I have experienced some challenges based on the colour of my skin and some racist comments − but they have been very rare occasions.

"There is less racism in the police than some people want to believe.

“I feel sometimes where we get it wrong it’s as a result of unwitting actions or lack of knowledge.

"The vast majority of police officers I have come into contact with are really driven with a passion and a desire to help others.

"Most members of the public will not see most of what officers do to help them behind-the-scenes."

Since joining West Midlands Police in 2005, Keith has worked in Birmingham, Stourbridge, Walsall and Wolverhampton and been the force’s lead for children and young people and a victims’ champion.

He offered up some words of advice for any young potential officers and said: “Being yourself is really important because it’s what you bring is an individual to policing that matters and is most effective.

"Rather than believing you should try be a clone of those around you.

“The public relate to you better and the police service definitely benefits from difference.

"I think I may have tried a little bit too hard initially to try and hide me as an individual − so be yourself would be my number one piece of advice."