Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Holistic Facial Composite Creation and Subsequent Video Line-up Eyewitness Identification Paradigm
Published on: December 24, 2015
Ethnicity and culture: thinking about 'police ethnicity'
Simon Holdaway1, Megan O'Neill
1Sheffield University, School of Law. s.holdaway@sheffield.ac.uk
Abstract:
Research about the development of ethnic identifications within contexts of employment has been neglected, not least by proponents of 'new ethnicities'. Drawing on evidence from a two year study of Black Police Associations in the constabularies of England and Wales, this paper is concerned with the construction and sustaining of a particular notion of ethnicity, related to police employment. Black Police Association members have claimed a distinct experience of police employment related directly to their being 'black' and, therefore, an essentialism forming a boundary marking them off from white officers. 'Police ethnicity', however, is a strategic notion that is somewhat fragile and exclusive. The consequences of BPA definitions of being a black officer are explored. The paper ends with a consideration of the wider, intellectual consequences of researching ethnicity within employment.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
The Role of Culture
Self Within Cultural Contexts
Surveys
Cultural Influences on Personality

