Following the building of our new Clinical Services Wing, the Police Treatment Centres decided to name part of the new build after a pioneer in British Policing, the first warranted Black Police Officer, John Kent.
The occasion was marked on Wednesday the 1st of September when a ceremony was held to officially open the new PC John Kent Wing. The Police Treatment Centres had the honour of welcoming Andy George, President of the National Black Police Association, who unveiled the plaque to begin this new chapter in the history of the PTC.
Born in 1805 in Carlisle, John Kent overcame discrimination and a hostile environment, from both colleagues and the public alike, before joining Carlisle Police Force on the 17th of August 1837.
John Kent died on the 20th of July 1886, leaving a legacy of firm but fair Policing in his community. He paved the way for future generations, enabling Officers of colour to thrive within the Policing fraternity.
Andy George, President of the National Black Police Association, commented that:
“It’s fantastic that we are here to dedicate this wing to PC John Kent. I applaud the Police Treatment Centres for having the foresight and inclusive nature to do this. For me it’s about education and making sure that the dedication is not lost, and his legacy is continued.
There are about 50 Black Police Associations around the Country and I imagine that John Kent would have benefitted from the camaraderie and the services that both we and the PTC offer. I have no doubt that some of the challenges that he faced are more extreme than some of our members, but I am sure that there are some symmetries with the struggles of our Officers now.
It’s brilliant to be here and officially open the PC John Kent Wing at The Police Treatment Centres.”
The naming of the John Kent Wing marks the operational implementation of our new conference room and residential area. This will enable the Police Treatment Centres to increase our Psychological Wellbeing provision and offer support to Officers in an ever increasingly demanding role.
The Psychological Wellbeing Programme is a two-week structured programme designed specifically for Serving Officers with mild to moderate anxiety and depression, and stress related issues.
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