Does the UK have a policing issue? In recent years, there have been reports of ongoing problems within the police service, including the increased use of stop and search on minority communities, the use of discriminatory language in both public and private spaces, and the strip searches carried out on children. These systemic failings have led to public mistrust of law enforcement; the very people who are meant to be seen as protectors of the law, are instead viewed as oppressors. In today’s episode, we speak to Andy George, the President of the National Black Police Association. Andy offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a minority ethnic police officer in the United Kingdom, having previously served as a law enforcement officer in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The discussion delves into the importance of diversity in the police force, his fears around the increased stop and search powers, and how police can reconcile and build back community relations.
Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties.
Presented by Matteo Bergamini
Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown.
This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.
