Essi Ahari – Chief Inspector, North Wales Police, Felinheli

Essi Ahari was born and raised in Iran. He came to Wales to further his education and studied in Bangor University, where he obtained a PHD in Biology. He settled in Felinheli in North Wales with his wife and has had two children who have grown up in Wales. Essi’s first language is Farsi and is also fluent in English and currently learning Welsh within North Wales Police. He feels it is important to make an effort to learn the language of the people and demonstrate enthusiasm surrounding Welsh culture and traditions to ensure positive relations within the community. Both of his children attended Welsh schools and speak Welsh fluently.

Essi feels well settled in Wales and loves the scenery of North Wales, the location, the people and the lifestyle. He is particularly fond of the mountains and the sea surrounding the areas.

Essi joined the North Wales Police force in 1996. Amongst his duties as Chief Inspector, Essi is also a forefront member of the Black and Asian Police Association, fervent about improving workforce inclusion and representation within policing and tackling systematic and institutional racism. A founding member in 2004, Essi felt the association would help bring those from BAME backgrounds together in the police force and hoped it would act as a strong support network. Following the Lord Macpherson report, he wanted to ensure that the police force in North Wales was making steps in the right direction to make a difference. He also noticed that the numbers of BAME officers were quite low in North Wales and wanted to actively promote change and encourage officers from different backgrounds to join.

“The association helps us support each other and empathise with members of the communities”.

He believes that it is crucial that we confront the uncomfortable truths in order for things to improve and instantly condemn inappropriate behaviour where necessary. He’s a strong advocate for inclusivity within the workforce and feels it is imperative that we promote diversity in order to inclusively reflect the community. Within BAPA, they have collaborated with different forces across Cheshire, Merseyside, Manchester and across Wales to share ideas, support and learn from each other within an enthusiastic and positive environment to push for change. They also work closely with other police support associations to ensure positive working relations with all members of the force and wider communities.

“I do this because I believe it is not only the right thing to do but also it makes good business sense. I am particularly passionate about inclusivity. It’s important for people to see people. I want people to be able to be themselves at work. Because then, they can perform at their optimum.”

“It is vitally important for people to embrace themselves and diversity and inclusivity. It is important for individuals to feel comfortable about who they are, what values they hold and are confident to speak up”.

“It is important to realise that racism exists in the most quiet places too. There are hotspots everywhere. We need to accept it to face it. Only then can we address it and tackle it head on. We need to address the rotten apples to challenge racism and we can do this slowly but surely. People need to be educated.”

Beyond his duties, Essi also took part in an Environmental Scanning exercise. Along with two others, he volunteered to spend time in a wheelchair alongside a local wheelchair user to examine the access issues surrounding the Colwyn Bay area. By facing the problems head on, he was able to notice first hand that the streets were problematic for those with mobility issues. With this, he felt it is important to give something back to the community. Essi approached the local authority to ensure that they improve the disability conditions of the town.  He felt it helped him empathise with disadvantaged members of the community and encouraged him to go the extra mile in engaging with the community members on more personal levels.

Essi also regularly plays football within the community as a part of maintaining his health and wellbeing and serves as the Chair of Governors at his local school Ysgol Friars. He is more than happy to give back to the school and community to which his children went and makes a conscious effort to ensure he does everything he can to make a difference.