News / King's Honours
Desmond Brown recognised in new year honours
Desmond Brown has been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.
Brown, who is the founder of Growing Futures UK and vice chair of the Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel, has been appointed MBE for services to the community of Avon and Somerset.
He founded Growing Futures in 2013 to empower young people and families impacted by school exclusions, youth violence and exploitation.
is needed now More than ever
More than 350 young people have since been provided with support and mentoring to help them build positive lives.
In 2017, he was appointed chair of the Bristol Mayoral Commission on Race Equality, holding the public and private sectors to account on racial equality, disproportionality and institutional racism.
Brown was pivotal in establishing the Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel and continues to serve as the vice chair.
The panel 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 became the chair of a subgroup set up in the wake of the Lammy Review to analyse how people from minority backgrounds are treated within the criminal justice system.
His work with community groups and leaders culminated in the production of a 125-page report, which made 83 recommendations to address disproportionality. This has helped shape a number of policing processes, including our stop and search policy.
Brown frequently provides crucial insight and counsel in challenging circumstances – particularly at times of tragedy and community concern – which enable senior officers to make informed operational decisions to help serve the public.
He 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.”
Chief constable Sarah Crew said: “Desmond remains a tireless campaigner for doing the right thing.
“He is someone who typifies the phrase ‘critical friend’ and we are hugely grateful for his open-mindedness, but also willingness to hold us to account to drive us to improve the service we provide all our communities.”
Detective superintendant Gary Haskins, who oversaw the investigation into the murder of Max Dixon and Mason Rist has also been honoured – photo: Hannah Massoudi
Three other people with connections to Avon & Somerset Police have also been honoured.
Senior force chaplain Andy Paget and volunteer Douglas Allen have been appointed MBE and BEM respectively for services to policing and the community.
Detective superintendent Gary Haskins, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, who oversaw the investigation into the murders of Max Dixon and Mason Rist, has been recognised for his distinguished service to policing and will be the recipient of a King’s Policing Medal.
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
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