Rebecca Kalam

Rebecca Kalam is a former Detective Inspector and Operational Firearms Commander with West Midlands Police.

Her experiences within the Firearms Unit ultimately led her to challenge sex discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation and the treatment of women within policing, culminating in a landmark Employment Tribunal case. Following her case, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Her claim highlighted a toxic culture of misogyny and unlawful discrimination that had inexplicably and inexcusably proliferated within the Firearms Operations Unit.”

Seven of the officers who stood beside Rebecca as witnesses and supporters subsequently brought Employment Tribunal claims of their own. Rebecca has continued to speak openly about organisational culture, accountability, whistleblowing and the treatment of those who have the courage to challenge unacceptable behaviour. She also continues to support officers and members of the public who find themselves at their most vulnerable when raising concerns about policing or misconduct in the public sector.

At this year’s PFEW conference, Rebecca will share the deeply personal story behind her case, the impact it had on her and her family, and the lessons she believes policing and the Police Federation must take.