REPS SPOTLIGHT


They tolerate you for a while, but eventually bullying and victimisation begins.” His heart-wrenching account of being repeatedly sidelined, ignored, and mistreated illustrates how ingrained these problems are in some of our police forces. The failure to follow reasonable


adjustments for his disability, as mandated by the Equality Act, only worsened his situation. Tariq claimed medical restrictions were not only ignored but actively overridden by senior management who seemed determined to undermine his wellbeing, but instead, Tariq was disciplined through UPP. When the reasonable


adjustments afforded to him were taken away without any consideration for his health, Tariq sought help from the Police Federation. Phil Brewster, his Metropolitan Police Federation rep, guided him towards legal advice. Tariq’s legal case eventually proved successful, with the judge and panel ruling in his favour, recognising the historical racism and disability discrimination he had endured. But for Tariq, the legal victory was


importance of following policies and legal mandates, particularly those aimed at protecting vulnerable employees. The failure to address discrimination and poor management not only harms individuals but also damages the trust and integrity of the organisation as a whole. By sharing his story, Tariq hopes to


shine a light on the failures that allowed his suffering to continue for so long. His message is clear: better management,


“Modern policing has many facets, and there is a place for those with disability. But there has to be a better understanding by line managers and senior officers to fully support them.”


bittersweet. The damage to his health, both mental and physical, was already done. He is deeply frustrated over losing the time and resources, both of his and the taxpayers, as well as the long-lasting trauma caused by the experience. “It wasn’t necessary,” he said, reflecting on the emotional and financial strain this battle placed on him and his family. Tariq’s story goes beyond his personal


struggles; it’s a reflection of the systemic issues that plague some of our police forces and other institutions. His case reinforces the findings of the Baron Casey Review, which highlighted the issues Tariq battled within the Met. Tariq’s experience, as he believes, is a clear illustration of the review’s conclusions. While he remains traumatised and disillusioned by his treatment, Tariq takes solace in the hope that his case may help others. “The only saving grace for me is that it might help others who find themselves in the same position”, he said. His victory may serve as a precedent, ensuring that future officers with similar experiences won’t have to endure the same unfortunate treatment. Tariq’s experience highlights the urgent need for reform within institutions like the Met. His story is a testament to the


27 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2024


adherence to the law, and a genuine commitment to tackling discrimination are essential if meaningful change is to occur. Tariq’s hope is a simple one – he and others in similar positions should be left in peace to do their jobs, free from the unnecessary and harmful pressures of discrimination and poor management. Tariq’s story is a stark reminder of the real human cost of institutional failings, and a call to action for those in positions of power to do better by the law. PS Phil Brewster, health and safety


secretary for the Metfed who helped Tariq, said, “When we look at police officers, what strikes us is their physicality, tenacity, and unwavering dedication to duty and the public they serve. We understand


what society expects from them— selflessness, courage, and the willingness to run towards danger when others flee. But what happens when they break? When the pressures of the job, combined with personal health struggles, become too much to bear?” He continued to outline how police officers are more than just a part of the community—they form a community of their own. This unique culture, while fostering camaraderie, also brings with it specific social and cultural pressures that shape how officers view the world and, in particular, how they treat one another. But at the end of the day, officers are human too. And like all humans,


they are vulnerable to both physical and mental health challenges. “Being human means things go wrong,” PS Brewster explained, who has seen firsthand the toll that health struggles can take on officers. “Our health suffers, both physically and mentally—sometimes due to aging, or perhaps other life events along the way.” In policing, these challenges are


exacerbated by the nature of the job itself. “The restrictions placed on officers, both on and off duty, and the dangerous nature of the profession, can have devastating effects on an individual’s ability to perform,” added PS Brewster. One such officer is Detective Constable Tariq Ahmed, whose story sheds light on


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