Black History Month: Racially abused Fed member says colleagues ‘always have his back’

31 October 2023

A Hertfordshire Police Federation member has hailed his colleagues for ‘always having his back’, as he tells how he has been physically and racially assaulted because of the colour of his skin.

Obinna Anoliefo, an officer in the Force’s Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, has revealed he has been ‘punched, kicked, spat on’ and verbally abused in the past - actions often triggered because he is a black cop.

The 26-year-old is sharing his story as part of this year’s Black History Month - which runs through October - as he details his ambition to become a role model for young people by engaging with black and ethnic minority communities.

“Without a doubt, I have been singled out and targeted because of my skin colour. Even just the other day I was called the ‘N-word,” said Obinna, who admits his mum raised her concerns about him joining the Force.

Obinna Anoliefo

“Mum was concerned for my safety. Far too often people zone in on the colour of my skin and things will quickly become racial. I’ve been spat at, kicked and punched - fortunately, I’ve not received any serious injuries as a result yet but it’s still awful. I would have thought in this day and age, things would be so different.”

Obinna said that ‘reassuringly’ his colleagues ‘always have his back’ when they see or hear about him being abused.

He continued: “In fact, it’s only because one of my colleagues said to me ‘that’s not right’ that some of the abusers have been investigated. It’s definitely reassuring to know that my colleagues have my back.”

Having received a law degree, Obinna’s ultimate goal is to one day become a barrister but until then he is aiming to boost engagement with local communities.

“I definitely think that police officers are often stereotyped by certain communities, including black and ethnic minorities,” he added.

“But once you get speaking to members of the public, they realise that we are alright and they do begin to engage. The barrier between us isn’t necessarily gone, but it’s lowered.

“I want to be a role model for younger people. I want to stop the stigma surrounding police officers. I want people to know it’s not a bad thing to call the police, we are there to help them.”

Obinna says he prides himself on having those ‘honest conversations’ with community members, adding: “I like to hear about the challenges people have in the community.”

When asked about the number of black and ethnic minority police officers within the Force, Obinna said he felt they were underrepresented.

“It’s just my personal opinion but I don’t feel the number of black and ethnic minority police officers reflects that of society,” he explained.

“But there is lots going on to engage more with black communities, which will hopefully encourage more aspiring police officers and young people to join the Force.”