Black and Blue

Black and Blue is a powerful memoir detailing the life of Parm Sandhu, the highest-ranking BAME woman in the London Metropolitan Police at the time of her retirement in 2019. This inspiring true story sheds light on the significant challenges and prejudices she faced throughout her career, as well as her remarkable journey from the outskirts of Birmingham to the upper ranks of the police force. As the first non-white female to rise from constable to chief superintendent in the Met's history, Parm's experiences offer a unique perspective on the complexities of policing in Britain.

The narrative begins with Parm's difficult upbringing as the daughter of Punjabi immigrants, where she was thrust into an abusive arranged marriage at just 16. Her decision to escape to London with her newborn son marked the beginning of her journey into law enforcement. Over her thirty-year career, she held various roles, including crime prevention, counter-terrorism, and police corruption, while also playing a key role during the London Olympics and responding to significant incidents like the murder of Lee Rigby.

Despite her accomplishments, Parm's time in the police was marred by racial and gender discrimination. After taking a stand against these injustices, she faced a false charge of gross misconduct. Black and Blue not only recounts her fight for justice within the police force but also serves as an inspiring testament to resilience in the face of prejudice and abuse, resonating with anyone who has encountered similar struggles.