The picture probably tells you quite a lot about me. I am a serving Police Officer, with Fife Constabulary, for whom I work as a Community & Race Relations Training Officer at our force headquarters in Glenrothes. I am also involved in a wide variety of non-training CRR activities, including interpreting issues and community liaison. After 17 years in the Police it is probably fair to say that I have had a wide experience of various aspects of life. It is that experience - and my own personal background - which has given me a passionate interest in the subject of Community and Race Relations.

The picture might also hint that I am one of Fife's so-called Minority Ethnic officers (I say 'so-called' because I hate labels for people). I grew up in Thailand and India, the son of Scots and Chinese parents (Bao Ren is my Chinese name), before returning to attend college in Glasgow and starting a career in the Police Service. My parents are Christian missionaries and I myself would describe myself as a committed Christian; my faith is one of the defining factors in my life. Growing up in South and South-east Asia gave me extended and personal contact with Thai, Chinese and Indian cultures and indeed I still endeavour to speak Thai whenever possible.

As a person of 'mixed-race' (labels again!), I have unfortunately experienced a wide range of racial abuse, both in and out of my role as a Police Officer. These experiences, added to my own struggles to realise my own personal identity and membership of an organisation which endeavours to provide a service to the public - including those who have been victims of racist abuse - have given me a valuable insight into several aspects of race relations. This is real - not academic. It affects lives, not dissertations. Organisations such as Fife Racial Equality Council, of which I am a member, are built around this reality.

Because of this interest and personal experience, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to become involved in race relations. Initially writing a distance learning package for the Scottish Police Service, I have recently been heavily involved in the design of CRR training for Fife officers. This has brought me into contact with trainers and lecturers across the UK and their support, and interest from local colleges and organisations, made me consider offering training outside the Police context. That possibility has now been realised with the consent of Fife Constabulary. To date my commitments have included presenting training lectures at West Lothian College, Bathgate, taking part in Race Relations Training for the Procurators Fiscal of the Fife and Edinburgh regions and I am currently developing a distance learning module for Napier University's BA (Criminal Justice Studies) programme.

On a personal note, I am married to Shonagh. Our four children aged 9 years to 11 months, keep us busy and give us a great deal of joy. I value creativity and derive a great deal of enjoyment from drawing and painting, photography, cooking, writing, reading and calligraphy. Another exciting development in recent months has been the start of studies on Napier University's MSc programme in Criminal Justice Studies, which, I hope, will enhance my ability to fulfil my duties in both Police and civil contexts.

You can Email me on baorencrrt@quista.net if you would like more information - or if you feel I can help your organisation with Race Relations issues.

Being presented with my CRR training certificate, by Fife's Chief Constable, John Hamilton.

Some Links:

Fife Constabulary
Hebron School, India

Commission for Racial Equality