Anguillian Norwell Roberts.

"The Met's first black police officer was Detective Sergeant Nowell Roberts QPM who was born in Anguilla and joined the force in 1967.

He could certainly be described as 'a pathfinder' for ethnic representation in the Metropolitan Police. Although he passed his 11 plus exam he was refused a place at grammar school on the pretext 'he hadn't learned English ways'. He had to sustain a huge amount of abuse, prejudice and pressure both within the force and from the media.

His property was damaged, he was regularly insulted and a passing police patrol car shouted 'Black Bastard' at him while he was on the beat in Covent Garden. He was also abused by members of London's black community for being 'a traitor'.

His career and experiences improved after he was transferred to the CID. He won an outstanding commendation for arresting 5 contract killers in 1985. He worked in the drugs squad and undercover in a range of dangerous operations. He retired in 1997 having received the Queen's Police Medal for 30 year's service. It is recommended visiting the Black Police Association website for more information:"

This story is quoted from an article at http://www.ma-radio.gold.ac.uk/locgov/