Desmond Brown appointed MBE for determination to achieve equity in the criminal justice system
Desmond Brown, scrutineer and campaigner for race equity and procedural justice in policing, was appointed Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Years Honours list.
Desmond Brown MBE, is a colleague of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), employed by the office between 2019 and 2022 to independently chair a review and write a report into race disproportionality in the criminal justice system in Avon and Somerset.
Desmond also volunteers as Chair of the Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel (ISoPPP) and member of the Tackling Disproportionality Independent Scrutiny Board – monitoring and advising on the work to tackle race disparity in the criminal justice system.
Desmond Brown said: “This is an honour for me and my family, but more than that, it recognises the importance of the voice of the community in delivering equity and justice for everyone. That work continues.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said: “This recognition for Desmond, as a tireless campaigner for what is right, is thoroughly deserved.
“There are real changemakers in this world and Desmond is one of them. His energy and determination have made sure that tackling the racism and disproportionality that exists within the criminal justice system has remained a vital issue for criminal justice agencies across Avon and Somerset to solve.
“From his work holding the police to account for the use of their powers, the co-authorship of the report which identifies the disproportionality that exists across our criminal justice system, to the support he has given to set up the Independent Scrutiny Board – whose role it is to question and push for action – Desmond is a true advocate for fairness and equity.
“I’m grateful for Desmond’s continued support and the invaluable expertise he shares, and I’m pleased his work has been recognised through the appointment of his MBE. I look forward to continuing to work together to improve policing for all our communities.”
Desmond Brown – MBE
Desmond Brown created Growing Futures in 2013 to empower young people and families impacted by school exclusions, youth violence and exploitation. More than 980 young people have since been provided with bespoke and tailored programmes, resources and educational opportunities. The Growing Futures mission is to cultivate personal growth, responsibility and community awareness through education, health and fitness and community service.
In 2017, Desmond was appointed Chair of Bristol Mayoral’s Commission on Race Equality, holding public and private sectors to account on racial inequities, disproportionality and institutional racism.
Desmond was pivotal in establishing the OPCC Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel (ISoPPP) seven years ago, and he has now taken on the role of the Chair, overseeing and leading their work. Since its inception, the ISoPPP has scrutinised more than 1,000 policing interactions with the public and published two special reports leading to recommendations for individual and organisational learning in key areas of policing.
He was also chair of a subgroup set up in the wake of the Lammy Review to identify disproportionality in the ways people from minority backgrounds are treated within the criminal justice system. His work with community groups and leaders culminated in the production of the Identifying Disproportionality 125-page report, which made 83 recommendations to address disproportionality, helping to shape a number of policing processes, including the recently launched new stop and search policy.
Desmond also frequently provides crucial insight and counsel in challenging circumstances – particularly at times of tragedy and community concern – which enables senior police officers to make informed operational decisions to help serve the public.