What challenges did Beverly Douglas face as a black female police officer in Bristol?

Beverly Douglas faced hostility and racism from both the public and the black community, who viewed her as a "traitor" and a "sell-out" for her career choice. However, she credits her colleagues in the police organization as a "lifeline" throughout the hardships she faced.

How did Beverly Douglas become inspired to join the police force?

Douglas was initially planning to join the British Army after school, but when she "failed miserably" at the recruitment exam, she was inspired to join the police force after positive interactions with "very kind" and "positive" community officers during her school days.

What is the significance of Beverly Douglas's new book?

Beverly Douglas's new book, titled "PC Bev," reflects on her remarkable 35-year career as the longest-serving black female Avon and Somerset Police officer. She hopes the book will encourage other aspiring police officers who "want to make a difference" to embark on a similar career path.

Home / Crime and Justice / Pioneering Black Female Cop Shares 35-Year Journey in New Memoir

Pioneering Black Female Cop Shares 35-Year Journey in New Memoir

15 Nov

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Summary

Longest-serving black female Avon and Somerset Police officer
Overcame hostility and racism to have "the best job in the world"
Inspired to join police after meeting "very kind" community officers

Pioneering Black Female Cop Shares 35-Year Journey in New Memoir

In November 2025, Beverly Douglas, a trailblazing black female police officer, is set to release a new book chronicling her remarkable 35-year career with the Avon and Somerset Police. As the longest-serving black female officer in the force, Douglas has overcome significant challenges to pursue her passion for law enforcement.

Growing up in the Easton area of Bristol as a Windrush child, Douglas initially planned to join the British Army after school. However, when she "failed miserably" at the recruitment exam, she was forced to rethink her career path. It was then that she was inspired to join the police force after positive interactions with "very kind" and "positive" community officers during her school days.

Despite the high tensions between the police and Bristol's black communities in the early 1980s, following the 1980 St Pauls Riot, Douglas was determined to make a difference. "I felt confident that I could make a difference and the only way I could make a difference was if I was part of the establishment and part of the organization that everybody was berating and saying was institutionally racist," she explains.