A Suffolk Constabulary officer who scooped the national officer of the year award said he feels proud for bringing a positive change to Suffolk. 

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Pereira won the Police Officer of the Year award at the National Black Police Association (NBPA) conference.

The head of the Regional Organised Crime Unit cybercrime capability at the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit was recognised for his outstanding contribution to equality, diversity, and inclusion while in a previous role at Suffolk Constabulary, working at Martlesham Heath police headquarters.  

 

As chair of Suffolk’s Ethnic Police Association, where he has been a member for 17 years and chairperson for the last four years, DCI Pereira tirelessly championed supporting and creating positive change for ethnic minority groups within policing. 

DCI Pereira was recognised for his determination and dedication to being the driving force within Suffolk Constabulary for ethnic minorities, something he has continued since joining ERSOU in the summer. 

DCI Pereira said: “I am incredibly proud and humbled to have received this national award, which still feels slightly surreal.  

“I will always be a passionate advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion by supporting and giving a voice to ethnic minority groups who are still under-represented in policing today.  

“Being chair of a staff support network was a great honour for me, and I feel proud knowing I brought about positive change in Suffolk.” 

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones said: “On behalf of everyone at Suffolk Constabulary, I send congratulations to Mike for his national award.   

“It is fully deserved, and he has been a great advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion across the force for many years, with one example being the work and support he has given to the Suffolk approach to the national Police Race Action Plan.”