PC Zara Basharat reveals the shocking abuse she endures as a Muslim officer
Sandwell: A Muslim police officer, PC Zara Basharat, has bravely opened up about the awful abuse she faces on the job. She’s had her headscarf ripped off and has been called the ‘P’ word multiple times. It’s heartbreaking to hear that she’s even been labeled a ‘traitor’ by some in her own community for her role during pro-Palestinian protests.
PC Basharat shared that being a woman who wears a headscarf makes her an easy target for thugs. Over her five years in the force, she’s faced more than 40 incidents of racial slurs and assaults. Despite this, she’s committed to improving support for her fellow officers who go through similar experiences.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s set to receive the Sam Hughes Inspiration in Policing Bravery Award at the end of the month. It’s a well-deserved recognition for her hard work and resilience.
She mentioned that while all officers face abuse, those from ethnic minorities often bear the brunt of it. Being South Asian and wearing a headscarf makes her particularly vulnerable. This year alone, she’s already experienced racial abuse twice from the public.
PC Basharat has faced some truly awful attacks, including having her hijab pulled off. She’s been told to ‘go back to your prayer mat’ and has even received threats to burn her headscarf. It’s shocking to think that such hate exists, especially from people in her own community.
To combat this, she’s working on a resilience program aimed at helping officers who experience racial abuse. This initiative is in collaboration with the Force’s Black and Asian Police Association, and she’s received great support from Chief Inspector Chris Grandison.
PC Basharat’s experiences during the Palestine protests have been shared with senior leaders, and her efforts are being recognized with the bravery award. She feels it’s important to highlight the challenges officers face, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
She believes there’s a significant gap in training and support for officers dealing with physical and racial abuse. Consistent support from the very first incident is crucial for an officer’s wellbeing. She’s passionate about improving how supervisors and the organization support their staff, which could lead to better officer welfare and retention.
Ultimately, she emphasizes the need for a diverse police force that truly represents the community it serves. It’s all about making meaningful connections and supporting one another in the line of duty.
