Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

Former Met Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu: I spent a year in therapy to get over what happened in my career

Aug 23, 2024

Neil Basu, a former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and head of counter-terrorism, opens up about his extraordinary career. He candidly discusses facing racism within the police, the challenges of navigating mixed cultural identities, and the institution's urgent need for acknowledgment of its biases. His leadership in thwarting terror plots showcases resilience, while his journey reveals the emotional toll of such responsibilities. Basu emphasizes the importance of honest dialogues about institutional racism and mental health support for officers.

01:07:22

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Neil Basu

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Quick takeaways

Neil Basu discusses his mixed heritage and the profound impact of his upbringing on his understanding of race and identity.

He recounts personal experiences of racism that shaped his path to policing and fueled his desire to effect change within the system.

Basu emphasizes the urgent need for police leadership to acknowledge institutional racism to rebuild trust with marginalized communities and foster inclusivity.

Deep dives

Personal Identity and Cultural Background

The speaker discusses his mixed heritage, having a Bengali father and a Welsh mother, which shaped his upbringing in England during the 1960s. This dual identity was significant, as he experienced the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and witnessed the struggles of his parents against racism. His father, who migrated from India post-partition, aimed to integrate his children into British culture, leading to discussions about the complexities of identity within a multicultural society. The speaker reflects on the impact of his upbringing on his self-perception and understanding of race, noting that conversations about mixed-race experiences are often overlooked.

Intro

2min

Navigating Identities

4min

The Politics of Division: Navigating Progress and Regression

3min

Navigating Institutional Racism in Policing

3min

Navigating Racial Identity and Childhood Challenges

10min

From Banking to Purpose: A Journey of Reflection

11min

Journey Through Policing: Resilience and Reflection

8min

Earning Respect in Policing

7min

Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Legacy in Law Enforcement

20min

"When I signed up to the police my friends said, 'Why on earth are you joining a corrupt and racist organisation?'"

Neil Basu joined the police force as uniformed officer in 1992. He rose through the ranks to become an assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in 2015, a role he held until 2021. Alongside this, he served as the UK's head of counter terrorism policing and Met assistant commissioner of specialist operations, working closely with MI5. During that time, he led investigations into 12 terror attacks, foiled 29 plots and charged three Russian state assassins in connection with the Salisbury Novichok poisonings.

In this rare and candid conversation, Neil doesn't hold back. He talks about the racism he's faced, the barriers he's had to break down and the tough leadership lessons he's learned throughout his career. But perhaps most powerfully, he explains why he firmly believes the Metropolitan Police is institutionally racist and why police chiefs must acknowledge it and apologise.

This episode is not suitable to those under 18 and contains sensitive topic discussions including racism and violence. If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode and need support, please see the suggested website links below.

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