Hardback ISBN: 9780281083466
Paperback ISBN: 978-0281083473
eBook ISBN: 9780281083480
Publication Date: 17 Sep 2020
Publisher: SPCK Publishing
Page Count: 256
Closing Ranks: My Life as a Cop
Described by The Guardian as “the man who risked everything to fight racism in the police force – from within”, Dr Leroy Logan MBE is a former superintendent in the Metropolitan police. He retired in 2013 after 30 years exemplary service.
‘I was amazed and intrigued by the way Leroy had stood his ground and progressed within the Metropolitan Police against so many obstacles: hostility, outright racism and being repeatedly overlooked for promotion.’
Steve McQueen, Oscar Award-winning Director of ‘12 Years A Slave’ and ‘Widows’
‘A must for anyone who has a heart for justice.’
Patrick Regan OBE, Kintsugi Hope
This autobiography highlights the significance of self-belief and the importance of service to the community. It reveals a deep desire to make a difference, a strong commitment to family and faith, and a determination to model the changes one wishes to see. Plain speaking in describing the highs and lows of being an ‘outstanding’ member of the Met, Leroy is not afraid to share his vulnerability, and you can feel the pride with which he receives a variety of accolades. An impossible journey has been made possible by faith! Leroy Logan is a great example of achievement against all the odds.
The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover
Born in 1957 to Jamaican parents, Leroy is a proud Londoner, a staunch Gooner, an advocate for good relationships between the police and Britain's minority ethnic communities, a mentor to young people, and an advisor on knife crime. But policing wasn't his first career choice. After three years working as a research scientist at the Royal Free Hospital, Leroy decided a change was in order. Strangely, everyone seemed to think that one job was ideal for him...
Closing Ranks is a lively and entertaining read. It's also a history lesson in race relations in modern-day Britain, and a manifesto for anyone with a desire to mentor young people. Throughout, Leroy's passion for good policing shines through, as does his concern to guide and empower young people. Underpinning all is his strong Christian faith, which helped him persevere in a frequently hostile work environment - and in the process, encourage other black officers to stay on and help change the culture within the police.
It won the 2021 Best Memoir/Biography category at the CRT Awards.