Policing is about more than enforcing the law; it is about protecting communities, supporting vulnerable people and building trust. As the UK becomes more diverse, representation within police forces plays a key role in strengthening connections with the communities they serve.
During South Asian Heritage Month, Speaking to Asian Voice, PC Shabeeh Haider, originally from Pakistan, reflects on his journey into policing. After studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester, he joined Police Now and became one of the few South Asian officers in his South Yorkshire Police district, highlighting the need for greater representation in the force.
As one of the few Pakistani police officers in your force, what has your journey into policing been like, and what inspired you to join the service?
Joining policing through the Police Now National Graduate Leadership Programme has been a rewarding and positive experience. From the very beginning, I felt challenged, supported, and encouraged to develop both professionally and personally. The programme has given me the opportunity to build leadership skills while working directly with communities, and it has reinforced why I chose this career in the first place.
I was raised with strong values of respect, honesty and helping others, which inspired me to pursue policing as a way to make a difference. For me, policing is about protecting vulnerable people, supporting victims and building trust within communities. As one of the few Pakistani officers in my force, I hope to inspire people from underrepresented backgrounds to consider a career in policing. Representation matters, and diverse officers help strengthen connections with the communities they serve.
Why does South Asian representation in policing remain a challenge, and what can be done to encourage more people from these communities to join the force?
I think the lack of South Asian representation in policing is influenced by several factors. In many South Asian families, careers such as medicine, engineering, law, or pharmacy have traditionally been viewed as more prestigious and secure than policing. As a result, policing is often not presented as a career option to young people.
Another factor is the historical relationship between some South Asian communities and the police. Events such as the 2001 disturbances in Oldham, Burnley, and Bradford, as well as concerns raised about stop and search practices and the wider policing response following the 7/7 attacks, have affected trust for some individuals and communities. While policing has evolved, these experiences continue to shape perceptions today.
There is also a lack of awareness about how to join the police and the variety of entry routes now available, including graduate programmes like Police Now.
To encourage more South Asians to join policing, forces should build stronger community links, increase visibility in schools and community spaces, and offer mentoring and guidance to show that policing is an accessible and rewarding career.
Have your cultural background or experiences helped you build trust with the South Asian community?
Yes, there have been occasions where my cultural understanding and personal experiences have helped me build trust with members of the South Asian community. While professionalism and treating everyone fairly are the foundations of policing, having a shared cultural understanding can sometimes help break down initial barriers and make conversations feel more approachable.
Being able to communicate in languages such as Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi has also been valuable. It allows me to explain situations more clearly, ensure people understand what the police are trying to achieve, and help individuals feel listened to and respected. Even when language is not a barrier, understanding certain cultural customs and perspectives can help build rapport and encourage open communication.
Ultimately, trust is earned through actions rather than background alone, but I believe my cultural understanding has, at times, helped create a positive starting point for those conversations. Overall, those experiences have been positive and have reinforced the importance of communication, empathy, and mutual respect.
What does South Asian Heritage Month mean to you, and why is celebrating South Asian contributions in policing important?
South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of South Asian communities across the UK. For me personally, it is a time to reflect on my own heritage and the values I was brought up with, while recognising how those values have shaped my commitment to public service.
It is particularly meaningful because public service has always been important in my family. My mum works for the NHS, dedicating her career to caring for others, while I have chosen to serve my community through policing. Although our roles are different, they share the same purpose of helping people, supporting those in need, and making a positive difference.
I also believe South Asian Heritage Month highlights the contributions of South Asians across public services, including policing, healthcare, education and government. It celebrates achievements, inspires future generations and shows how diversity strengthens the communities we serve.
