神马福利影片

Sergeant Jonathan Benjamin of West Midlands Police has been awarded a Warwick Policy Hub Fellowship. He has been working with Professor Jackie Hodgson (Law), Dr Rachel Lewis (Sociology) and Dr Ruth Bernatek (Law) on their research and impact work using innovative arts-led approaches to challenge racist attitudes and behaviours within the police. As an in-residence Policy Fellow, Jonathan will be able to further this engagement, including with the Centre for Operational Police Research, COPR.

The Policy Fellowship Scheme is funded by the ESRC IAA Policy Hub and is designed to support fellowships which further policy engagement and impact from Social Science research. The scheme offers Warwick researchers, centres, groups, or departments the opportunity to develop, sustain or enhance relationships with external partners in the policy domain.

Sgt Jonathan Benjamin has served with West Midlands Police since January 2020 and is currently the force's WMP Race Action Plan Coordinator. Jonathan has spent the majority of his service in neighbourhood policing having served as a Constable within Birmingham East prior to his move on promotion to Sergeant Solihull Town Centre, taking responsibility for local policing of the town and surround residential areas.

Having worked as the WMPRAP Coordinator for over a year, Jonathan has worked closely with the force executive lead ACC O'Hara and the four workstream leads to deliver against the force strategy. This involves strategic involvement in the review and development of force policies and procedures as well as, community engagement and internal cultural change.

Prior to policing, Jonathan was a sprinter and coach for Birchfield Harriers as well as completing a degree in Sport and Exercise. Jonathan's dissertation explored the disparity in the portrayal of Black and White athletes in mainstream media through a Critical Race Theory & semiotic lens; an early indicator of his interest in matters of social justice and race relations.

When asked about the award, Jonathan shared:

鈥淚t is an honour to have even been considered, I look forward to working with the university more closely.鈥�

Jonathan will be an in-residence fellow, spending time on campus with Professor Jackie Hodgson acting as his host and supporting his activities.

Congratulations Jonathan, we are delighted to have you with us.

Find out more about the scheme.