Karen Geddes QPM, Founder of The Thin Black Line
Karen Geddes (QPM) joined West Midlands Police in 1992 and served for 30 years. During her service, she remained one of only a handful of Black females within the force overcoming personal barriers to become the first-ever Black female Superintendent in the West Midlands.
Karen developed a reputation as a problem solver who helped to influence and develop a more inclusive culture, shape response to critical incidents in the Black community and better policing, advocating and celebrating black talent and culture.
She has received multiple awards for my work, including the National Ethnicity Award and the Queen’s Police Medal.
She is the Founder of The Thin Black Line and Co-Founder of Women in the Shade – working to build stronger organisations that work for everyone.
Having ‘transitioned’ from policing, she remains passionate about promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in the police force and beyond.
“If not you, then who?”
- Tell us a little bit about your business… / or the organisation you work for.
I founded The Thin Black Line after leaving the police having served 30 years.
On leaving I wanted to continue to be active and make a positive difference particularly within the Black communities by
- Creating community projects to positive impact on Black communities.
- Supporting organisations and individuals to overcome barriers and build bridges
- Working together to build stronger organisations with greater trust and fairness that works for everyone focusing on four Steps to HEAL:
- History
- Empower
- Advocate
- Legacy
- How did you get into the industry?
I served 30 years as a police officer – during my time I remained one of only a few Black females in the industry. Having left policing, she still wants to continue influencing positive change for the black community. She has created The Thin Black Line to work with organisations such as policing to reduce disparity affecting the Black community and to build stronger organisations that work for everyone.
- How would you describe your leadership style? (if not in a leadership role talk about your working style)
Insight comes through ‘lived experience’ and is delivered in a supportive and appropriate challenging way to influence and develop a more inclusive culture and shape response to critical incidents in the Black community.
4. How has the past 12 months been for you?
It has been a period of transition – getting use to being outside of a formal ‘institution’ – a period of learning and networking.
5. What will the next 12 months look like for you or your business?
I want to take the next steps to becoming more visible and engaged within the community and collaborating with other organisations.
6. What are the highlights of your career so far?
Completing 30 years in policing which not many Black females have. Proud to have served my community – it was a privilege.
7. What’s the biggest professional / business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Letting a prisoner escape with the stolen goods!
8. What’s the best piece of professional / business advice you’ve been given or would like to give?
Find support in people that look like you and know who your allies are. Yes, you are good enough – just believe.
