The Disabled Police Association held its third Annual Conference on the 20^th and 21^st September 2023 at the Leonardo Hotel, Hinckley Island.

The event was attended by representatives from police forces and the criminal justice community across the UK. Guest speakers included Tom Pursglove MP, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health & Work, and Derbyshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Price, NPCC Lead for Disability, who opened the conference.

A ceremony was held on the evening of the first day to present awards to colleagues nominated for their work in championing and supporting disability in policing.

DPA President Tracy Betts said: “It was fantastic to see so many people coming together to recognise the ability and determination of our disabled workforce. On behalf of the DPA I would like to congratulate our award winners, and I extend my thanks to our guest speakers for giving their time to speak to us, and to the unsung heroes who demonstrate their talent and commitment every day and who made the conference possible.”

Click on the link for a review of the Conference by Police Oracle (registration required). ∎

Following the 2023 Annual General Meeting at Merseyside Police HQ, we are delighted to introduce Inspector Tracy Betts from Essex Police as the person chosen by the Executive Committee to fulfil the role of DPA President. Tracy had previously served as Interim President following the retirement of outgoing President Simon Nelson.

Tracy comments: “I’m thrilled and grateful to have been selected to join the Disabled Police Association as President, taking over from Superintendent Simon Nelson. His are big shoes to fill, but I’m sure with the help and support of the incredibly talented and capable Executive Committee and support networks throughout the country, we can take the DPA to the next level and continue to make positive and meaningful change to the working lives of our members, and for the public they serve.”

Tracy brings a personal commitment and much lived and professional experience, and we wish her well in her new role. ∎

The outgoing President of the Disabled Police Association has been honoured on his retirement with the award of the Queen’s Police Medal, in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the 3^rd March.

Superintendent Simon Nelson first joined Sussex Police in December 1993. In 2017 he was appointed to the DPA Executive Committee as Vice-Chair, and took over the role of President from Dr Robert Gurney in 2020.

In 2018, Simon published a candid and inspiring blog on his journey as a cancer survivor.

Inspector Tracy Betts, DPA Interim President, commented: “My DPA colleagues and I are delighted that Simon’s long service and tireless work in promoting disability in policing have been recognised. We wish Simon a long and happy retirement.”

Simon continues his work in support of diversity at the College of Policing, where he joins this month as a Senior Advisor to the Diversity & Inclusion Team. ∎