Turmoil: The Official Autobiography: 30 Years of Policing, Politics and Prejudice

by Neil Basu

Neil Basu spent 30 years working at the Metropolitan Police.

He retired as the most senior officer of colour in the UK, the first Asian officer in charge of counter terrorism and only the fourth person of colour to reach his rank. 

Turmoil is the story of how he rose to the top, the persistent and ingrained discrimination he faced at every level, and the spectre of racism that would weave its way throughout his career.

Opening on London's most deprived, violent, and unequal streets and moving into the heart of New Scotland Yard, it details high-profile cases, public enquiries and the explosive inquests of Stephen Lawrence, Mark Duggan, and Azelle Rodney. It encompasses the surveilling of corrupt police officers, serving as head of a murder squad on Operation Trident, and investigating acts of terrorism in his final years of public service. 

Turmoil is a powerful first-hand account of what it's like to serve on the biggest police force in the UK. It reveals uncomfortable truths about modern policing and the enduring racism across the Met that would in the end push Neil over the edge and out of service. 

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication December 31, 2050

Reviews

[David Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil Basu was the highest ranking officer of colour in the Metropolitan Police. This book is his account of his years of service. In the book he says that he had considered calling it "The Whitest One" but I wonder if he also considered calling if FIFO which he explains in Met shorthand for "Fit in or Fuck Off". He spent most of his early years fitting in, but towards the end of his career he sought to get the force to recognise that it is institutionally racist, having failed he left without having achieved his aim to become Commissioner. Clearly the Met still has a long way to go with the equalities agenda!

[Keely · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say I warmed to the author at all, but I respected what he had to say and shows how staying silent can be ruinious to ones self but saying something leads to derision, a silent war and eventually you're either fired or forced to walk away.

[Daniel Stylianou · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually gave up on this book. It just doesn’t read very well at all. The author repeats himself constantly, and whilst the subject matter of prejudice is well tackled, his role as an officer plays little part in the book.

[CL VANHELFTEREN · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartfelt and brilliant

If more were like Neil what a wonderful MET we would have. Heartbreaking in its honesty and personal sacrifice
The prologue should be read to every new officer. I sincerely hope the current leadership at NSY also read it

[Aparna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super insightful memoir by Neil Basu, detailing his decades-long career in policing. It was particularly interesting to see his reflections on the culture at the Met, working on counter-terrorism and later, applying for the top job at the NCA.

[Donna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book with a really interesting account of the challenges faced within British Policing.

[Mairi Anstruther · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible insight, bravely and honestly written...shining a light on those who make decisions...shows how far and deep racism, sexism and bigotry is in those that lead