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-podcast
Episode highlights:
00:32 – Misunderstandings in Policing
01:57 – Early Career in Brixton
05:18 – Sudan and Cultural Insights
08:51 – Institutional Racism and Sexism
18:14 – Hillsborough Disaster
33:30 – The Evolution of Crime
37:20 – Community Policing
51:05 – The Role of High Sheriff
54:06 – Volunteering and Civic Society
58:16 – Advice for Aspiring Public Servants