Challenging The Status Quo As A Young Black Female Police Officer And A Creative

When I first joined the police, I thought I was going to correct all of society’s ills in one huge go and put an end to issues like racism and violence immediately. But now I’m realising that change comes through the little things that we do.

For this year’s International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating and shining our editorial spotlight on PC Khafi Kareem as she shares her experience as a young black female Met police officer and a creative.

“I’m impacting the society through what I do, in a multiple of ways.

I’m a police officer and I work within the Response and Engagement teams, focused on strengthening local policing in Brixton and other areas.

I also run a Travel and Inspirational YouTube channel, I’m an author, and I also have other creative exploits, including acting, presenting, singing and being multilingual.

I would say that I’ve been a creative for as long as I can remember. I have always loved performing, being on stage and creating things.

Through policing, I’m able to be there for the community when they need me the most.

When I first joined the Police in 2010 whilst I was at university, I thought I was going to correct all of society’s ills in one huge go and the world would change immediately, putting an end to racism, violence and more.

But now, I’m realising that impact comes as an amalgamation of all the small things we do whether through policing, sharing positive messages through my YouTube and Instagram channels, or performing.

I recently ran an event in Peckham for people to hear my experience of being a black police officer and how that journey has been like.

It was so inspiring because so many people have just never met a black female officer who has that desire to be and do something different.

Through my YouTube channel, I aim to inspire, challenge norms and help people think out of the box through sharing my experiences.

I also wrote a book in 2015 called Quarter Centenarian’s Guide to the Galaxy, which was reflections from a survivor of a quarter-life crisis.

“The younger generation – You’ve got your own sphere of influence and you need to know that this is your society too”

This will be re-released as an audiobook this year and it contains lessons and experiences of life that I had by the age of 25.

The younger generation can be better engaged and be productive by not waiting to be given a platform to do good.

They can create that platform for themselves.

A lot of time, we’re waiting for someone to give us an audience or for people to give us permission to do things.

But now in this day and age, there’s so much that is showcased all over. Much of the younger generation, myself included – we live on social media.

Even if it’s there that you’re showcasing your gift and talent, don’t wait for someone to give you a platform – just start doing it.

You’ve got your own sphere of influence and you need to know that this is your society and not feel isolated or apart from it.

Where do I see myself in 5 years time – I’m doing my promotion exam to become a sergeant and I’m also in the process of becoming a detective. So hope to have achieved those milestones.

Creative-wise, I’m giving myself more room and creating more platforms for myself to spread the inspiration that I want to spread through creativity as far and wide as possible.”

Images (including the Metro screenshot) – Courtesy of and supplied by Khafi Kareem.

More Stories…

‘Saturday Girls’ Photo Exhibition: celebrating young women working weekend jobs to have financial & creative independence

The British Entrepreneurs Awarded In The Queen’s New Year Honours List 2019