Robert Beckley: Lessons from 40 Years in Policing, Hillsborough & Civic Service

Retired police officer Robert Beckley reflects on 40 years of service — from Brixton to Hillsborough and beyond. We discuss crisis response, institutional change, community policing, and why public service and volunteering still matter today.We explore:The misunderstood role of policing: “Policing is about being there in a crisis — when someone needs action, and needs it now.”Rob’s early career in Brixton and how his experiences in Sudan shaped his views on culture and policing.Honest reflections on institutional racism and sexism: “Institutional racism isn’t about bad people — it’s about systems and processes that have disproportionate impacts.”Hillsborough: what really went wrong, the persistence of false narratives, and why “we can never afford complacency in disaster preparedness.”The evolution of crime, the importance of community policing: “Community policing works because people trust officers who know their area and take ownership of local problems.”Rob’s year as High Sheriff of Somerset, his advocacy for volunteering, and the civic glue that holds communities together.Advice for aspiring public servants: “In public service, you may never know the lives you’ve touched — but the impact is real.”This episode provides deep insights into policing, society, and civic responsibility — offering lessons not only for those in public service but for anyone interested in how communities can thrive.Find more episodes, transcripts, and writing at https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/9/14/rob-beckley-insights-from-a-policing-career-hillsborough-amp-civic-service-lessons-podcastEpisode highlights:00:32 – Misunderstandings in Policing01:57 – Early Career in Brixton05:18 – Sudan and Cultural Insights08:51 – Institutional Racism and Sexism18:14 – Hillsborough Disaster33:30 – The Evolution of Crime37:20 – Community Policing51:05 – The Role of High Sheriff54:06 – Volunteering and Civic Society58:16 – Advice for Aspiring Public Servants

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