DPA appoints new President

Following the 2023 Annual General Meeting at Merseyside Police HQ, we are delighted to introduce Inspector Tracy Betts from Essex Police as the person chosen by the Executive Committee to fulfil the role of DPA President. Tracy had previously served as Interim President following the retirement of outgoing President Simon Nelson.

Tracy comments: “I’m thrilled and grateful to have been selected to join the Disabled Police Association as President, taking over from Superintendent Simon Nelson. His are big shoes to fill, but I’m sure with the help and support of the incredibly talented and capable Executive Committee and support networks throughout the country, we can take the DPA to the next level and continue to make positive and meaningful change to the working lives of our members, and for the public they serve.”

Tracy brings a personal commitment and much lived and professional experience, and we wish her well in her new role. ∎

DPA President Tracy Betts (5th left) with Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and members of the newly-elected Executive Committee

PRESS RELEASE: DPA responds to the Baroness Casey review

The Disabled Police Association completely accepts the findings of Baroness Casey’s review of the Metropolitan Police.

The report clearly states that some of the specific conclusions reached by the review team about racism, misogyny and homophobia within the Met also extend to other protected characteristics, including disability.

For over a decade, the DPA has worked with senior decision makers to help to change culture by shining a light in every corner of policing and calling out discrimination where it sees it.

The DPA insists that all police forces see this watershed moment in policing as an opportunity to learn by asking the difficult questions, and most importantly, to not take silence or acquiescence as a signal there is no work for us to do.

The DPA commits to continuing to work with stakeholders and partners, and supports all Forces and their staff networks to meaningfully engage with their disabled communities, helping to rebuild trust and confidence. ∎

Former DPA President awarded QPM

Supt Simon Nelson receiving the Queen’s Police Medal from HRH The Princess Royal

The outgoing President of the Disabled Police Association has been honoured on his retirement with the award of the Queen’s Police Medal, in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the 3rd March.

Superintendent Simon Nelson first joined Sussex Police in December 1993. In 2017 he was appointed to the DPA Executive Committee as Vice-Chair, and took over the role of President from Dr Robert Gurney in 2020.

In 2018, Simon published a candid and inspiring blog on his journey as a cancer survivor.

Inspector Tracy Betts, DPA Interim President, commented: “My DPA colleagues and I are delighted that Simon’s long service and tireless work in promoting disability in policing have been recognised. We wish Simon a long and happy retirement.”

Simon continues his work in support of diversity at the College of Policing, where he joins this month as a Senior Advisor to the Diversity & Inclusion Team. ∎