David did public service as a Metropolitan Police Cadet from September 1971 until he was attested as a constable in 1972. He was the first black constable to be posted to the Borough of Lewisham in April 1973. His other postings have included Notting Hill, Peckham, Deptford, Brockley, Plaistow, Southwark, Stratford and Tower Hamlets. His previous specialist postings have included work on the National Crime Squad (previously No. 9 Regional Crime Squad) and the Metropolitan Police Service, Complaints Investigation Bureau (CIB2).

His policing career has been broadly based, having completed interchange duties both as a Uniform Sergeant and Uniform Inspector. He was one of a Team of officers who worked on a case of pick pocketing and street robbery in the mid 1970’s known as ‘The Lewisham 24’. The case heralded the first use of video evidence in a trial at the Old Bailey. He has worked on a number of high profile murder inquiries and other major crime investigations in the East End and South East of London. He was the Team Leader of a Police Child Protection Team and has investigated may adult rapes and other serious sexual offences. David also represented the Metropolitan Police Service on overseas assignments. After 30 great years of service, he was retired in December 2002.

Commissioner’s Commendation in February 1979 for ‘Diligence and Determination’ in a case of Robbery and Conspiracy to Steal. He was also commended at the Central Criminal Court and by the Director of Public
Prosecutions.

Assistant Commissioner’s Commendation in June 1979 for ‘Tenacity and Detective Ability’ in a case dealing with a series of burglaries on church premises.

Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Westminster in November 1993 following studies as a mature student at evening classes.

Assistant Commissioner’s Commendation in December 1993 for ‘Leadership, Detective Ability, and Professionalism’ as Deputy Senior Investigating Officer on a murder inquiry.

Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (PLSGCM) from Metropolis Commissioner Sir Paul (now) Lord Condon at a ceremony at the Peel Centre, Hendon in September 1995.

Crime OCU Commander’s Commendation in April 1997 for ‘Leadership, Professionalism and Detective Ability’ as Deputy Senior Investigating officer in a complex murder investigation. Assistant Commissioner’s Commendation in March 1999 for ‘Loyalty, Professionalism and Devotion to duty’ as Deputy Senior Investigating officer in a multiple murder investigation as a result of arson.

Winner of Windrush Achievements Award 2000 in the Uniformed Services Pioneer category. Award presented by Metropolitan Police Service, Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair at the Dorchester Hotel on 22 June 2000.

Honorary Master of Laws degree from the University of Greenwich on 16 July 2001 in recognition of his contribution to the Police Service and to the communities of London. The Honour was presented by the Rt Hon The Lord Holme of Cheltenham, CBE. Fellow Honorary Grandaunts included Rt Hon Sir Edward Heath, former Prime Minister, Joules Holland, TV presenter and performer and General Sir John Stillborn, Chief Royal Engineer.

Man of Merit at the Executive and Professionals Network (EPN) Men of Merit recognition evening on 24 November 2001. In recognition of contribution to policing in London and supporting colleagues and communities. Others
recognised included Trade Union leader Bill Morris, Former CRE Chairman, Lord Herman Ouseley, Former England footballer, John Barnes, veteran Barrister and deputy chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Peter Herbert, Simon Woolley of Operation Black Vote and Prison Governor Dennis Valentine.

David is a founder member of the Metropolitan Police Service – Black Police Association (the first BPA in Britain). He has served two terms as Chairman and is a long standing member of the Executive Committee. He sat on the National Communication Network of Black Police Associations which resulted in the formation of the United Kingdom – National Black Police Association (NBPA).

David helped to bring the BPA to greater public prominence in November 1995 at the Race for Justice Conference at the Commonwealth Institue in London. He shared a joint press conference with Johnny Cochrane Jnr fresh from the OJ Simpson trial, Milton Grimes, attorney for Rodney King in Los Angeles, Peter Herbert of Society of Black Lawyers, Lee Jasper then of 1990 Trust and Lloyd LaRose Jones of Association of Black Probation Officers.

David has also been a member of the Police Federation for over 30 years and has been a Police Federation Representative for Detective Chief Inspectors and Detective Inspectors in South London. David works closely with various components of the Police Federation. He particularly values his close ties with the Metropolitan Police Federation CID committee and the Inspectors’ Branch Board.

David has specialised in providing personal support for many colleagues in the Police Service and some in the wider external communities. His support work spans his responsibilities as a police manager, his membership of the Police Federation and as a key leader in the Black Police Association. The ultimate aim of his support work is to provide positive gains for the whole of the Metropolitan Police Service.

David has been a delegate and significant contributor to many Criminal Justice and Policing issues conferences including a number sponsored by the Home Office. He has been a guest and keynote speaker at many meetings, forums and conferences. He lead a number of workshops at the USA NBPA International Education and Training Conference in Toronto Canada in 2000. He formed part of an International panel addressing the topic of practical responses to being stopped and searched by police.

He again represented the Black Police Association at the International Education and Training Conference in Miami, Florida in 2001.

Since its inception, David has contributed to the work of the Metropolitan Police Service, Racial and Violent Crime Task Force. With external members, he served on the Independent Advisory Group.

David has a very keen interest in current affairs. His extra-mural activities include writing. He has written articles for police journals including the Police Review and Metline, the magazine of the Metropolitan Police Federation.

He has represented the Metropolitan Police Service and the Black Police Association widely on radio, television, the minority ethnic and national press.