Leroy Logan: Prophetic Policeman

The beginning of the career of Leroy Logan in the London Metropolitan police has recently been dramatised on BBC1 TV: BBC One – Small Axe, Series 1, Red, White and Blue A good story, well told, well acted, with some dramatic licence and ‘look at my techniques’ shots.

A couple of months ago Premier Christianity magazine published my review of Leroy’s autobiography, ‘Closing Ranks.’ Closing Ranks – Leroy Logan – SPCK Publishing.

A moving, enlightening, account of one man’s calling to make the Metropolitan Police more servants of local communities and less an occupying force. Leroy explains how heavy handed police procedures breed mistrust in minority ethnic communities, making witnesses reluctant to speak to police, thus hindering the detection of crime.

Leroy’s first job was medical scientist. His manager suggested that Leroy would make a good policeman. Leroy’s immediate response was ‘Do I look like a white racist?’ Leroy had spent formative years in Jamaica. For him black policemen were more normal than for most Black British men. He recognised a calling and stuck with it for 30 years, retiring as Superintendent. Several times over the years Leroy was well aware of the support of Jesus and His Church as he stood up for justice within and against a ‘closing ranks’ culture.

‘Nigger’ scrawled inside his police station locker was the shocking, blatant, racism. Many other comments and actions showed the depth of racism in police culture. Leroy helped form the Met Black Police Association to support Minority Ethnic officers, to challenge and call for cultural change. Years later he became Chair of the Association. He describes the ridiculous length some senior police officers went to to discredit him as a leading black officer and, through him, his colleagues.

Leroy tells his story well. Interesting accounts of apprehending criminals, supervising officers, meeting Princess Diana, planning the Olympics, dealing with accusations of Christian homophobia, working with Sadiq Khan, receiving an MBE, and more.  Some readers may find too much detail of the Black Police Association, rather than of ordinary police work. All readers will benefit from coming to know this clear-thinking, courageous man and the culture he continually tried to change. His prophetic call may yet be heeded beyond his home country.

5 stars

Tags: Black police, London police, Prophecy