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Forced Out
- Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
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Summary
Kevin Maxwell was a dream candidate for the police force: he had a long-held desire to serve his community, a strong moral compass and a clear aptitude for both the strategic and practical aspects of policing. And, as a gay black man from a working-class family, he could easily have been a poster boy for the force's stated commitment to equal opportunities. Joining just after the 9/11 attacks, Kevin entered policing determined to keep communities safe in the face of a changing world. But instead he came up against entrenched prejudice, open racism and homophobia.
For more than 10 years, Kevin strove against the odds, until he took the force to an employment tribunal with devastating results. Forced Out is a revelatory exposé combining deeply affecting memoir with sharp analysis and a fascinating insider perspective on day-to-day life in the force. It is a touchstone for the silent many who have either tried to ignore abuse for the sake of their career or who have been bullied out of their jobs. It paints a sobering portrait of an institution that has not yet learned the lessons of the past and whose prejudice is informing the cases it chooses to investigate and the way it investigates them. And it asks the important question: what needs to change?
What listeners say about Forced Out
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- DT
- 09-09-23
Unbelievable Strength
I wish I could say that I found this account completely unbelievable. It's abominable that this behaviour and protracted cover-up is still happening in todays society, not least within an organisation that should demonstrate the highest of standards.
Kevin Maxwell is an exceptionally strong person, who clearly demonstrates principles that should have made him a successful police officer, and I would imagine an inspirational gaffer too, if he'd have been granted the same opportunities as others.
I just hope that this story changes the behaviour of others in the future and provides support to others who may feel utterly broken, having experienced similar problems. Likewise, I hope Kevin finds peace in knowing that he stood up for what's right.
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- john
- 18-06-20
Thought provoking stuff....
With everything that suddenly happened in the USA my timing could not have been better to help understand both sides, this is a very moving 'Real life' story......it goes from informative ,emotional, hard hitting to deeply saddening.....I found it very well written and up to date with the running and control that the British police have,use,take advantage of.....my heart goes out to Kevin Maxwell on having his lifes dream of being a cooper being taking away by the British police ......and yet he has been so loyal and did everything that was asked of him....THIS IS A MUST READ x
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3 people found this helpful
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- S S Cirillo
- 16-07-20
Excellent subject, disappointing delivery
The substance of this book is necessary and important, but it is often a frustrating read and occasionally would benefit from a firm editorial hand as detail sometimes overshadows the significant.
Audio: I felt the narrator lacked nuance so do listen to a sample first. I did, but it is read in a style that is rather monotonous with intonations repeated for a variety of beats, which left me feeling detached.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Andrea
- 26-06-22
An amazing book
I learned so much from this tragic tale. Well done to Kevin Maxwell for having the courage to tell it!
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- Alex Liddell
- 18-05-24
ACAB!
Absolutely shocking testimonial of the systemic corruption and ineptitude of the police. My heart goes out to the author who really tried to be a good cop, but ultimately gets shafted over time because the British police forces cannot have one good apple criticising policy among the many bad apples. It's maddening but essential listening.
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- Chelsea Mabey
- 30-06-23
Brilliant
Such a brilliant listen. What Kevin went through was disgusting. He was and still is exemplary
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- Jackie
- 21-04-24
Reality...it is what it is....a mess
...being not black, male nor gay but being obese, autistic and not physically attractive...and intell8gent and professional, as with Kevin, I. too. have dealt with Uzk pol8ce near London and endured...and still do. to a lesser extent...the sad reality that is shown in this book. There are no clear paths to be taken for justice and respect for all...it is frightening...it is the state of the world. Too many of those at the top are blind to what goes on because of their own agendas and greed. Too many of tose who seek jobs that affect the lives of everyday, hard working people are dealing with ineffectiveness bit, also, many seek the jobs to secure their own end goals and too often. the lack of power in their own lives...or ego or ignorance or prejudice...are not doing what is needed, they are doing what they need for themselves.
This is not all people and there are amazing folks serving society but the fact is. there are global signs that mNkind may not make it...and it is the fault of those finding ways to secure their own wishes while failing to do the hard, honest and selfless paths that can make a change. It is frightening and it is very sad.
Hang in there. Kevin....sending out prayers of peace.
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- Duncan Williamson
- 29-06-20
horror story
I can't help but feel shame following this story. Kevin told the story in great detail and with great precision. Here was a man ground down by racism and homophobia and ground out of the police force. In addition to all of the questions relating to the prejudice and racism, we have to ask why the police hierarchy put so much effort into the ruination of the life of one man.
Things will not change so quickly, I am sorry to say but for all of those officers struggling in this way, the best of luck to you.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Sq.Pants
- 08-06-20
Eye opener 100%
Every cop should know what Kevin went through. This should be essential reading material for any current or aspiring cop if any change to the institutional discrimination and racism is ever going to happen. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
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4 people found this helpful
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- L.w
- 21-04-24
Institutional racism still exists.
Kevin Maxwell explains throughly and clearly the homophobic attitudes and institutional racism that sit at the very core of policing in England. His strength and determination to shine a light on corruption and wrongdoing in policing is brave and an example of the change that needs to be discussed and actioned. A worth while listen for anyone in policing, or any one interested in police culture.
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