The Metropolitan Police's first Black officer appeared on This Morning to discuss his experiences in the force.
Alison and Dermot welcomed Norwell Roberts to today's show to discuss the abuse and trials he faced. During his time at the Met, Mr Roberts said the majority of racial abuse he faced was from inside the institution.
Mr Roberts noted he discovered he had obtained the job through the Telegraph newspaper, with a story bearing the headline 'London going to have their first coloured policeman.' Both Alison and Dermot sighed in disgust at the revelation.
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Mr Roberts added: "When I was at training school one of my instructors said to me 'where are you going to be posted' and I said 'Bow Street'. He said 'hmmm I think you'll find things a little bit different there.' I didn't know what he was talking about.
"On my first day there, age 21, when I walked downstairs my reporting sergeant said 'look you N-word, I'll see to it you never pass your probation." Shocked, Dermot asked Mr Roberts to confirm the incident genuinely happened on his first day.
Mr Roberts confirmed it, adding: "But I got the last laugh because I did (pass)." Dermot followed up the comments by asking if Mr Roberts made friends in the force, leading him to share a story about a colleague who defended him but was eventually forced out of the team.
He said: "I didn't really have too many friends in the police force. One chap came from Canada and was a really good friend of mine and tried to stick up for me but got drummed out of the force. I thought if I'd left I'd have lost and the bullies would win. The more they pushed against me the more determined I was to push forward."
Alison commended Mr Roberts on his role and determination, noting how much of a positive role model he was and still continues to be. He added due to his actions, it paved the way for more Black police officers to join the force despite the racist abuse they may face, something he said he was proud of.
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