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Forced Out
- Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
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Forced Out
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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?
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What listeners say about Forced Out
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ms. Deborah Klayman
- 21-06-20
A fantastic book
This is a fantastic book, compelling, well written and reflective.
The narrator's accents were a little off, but overall a good performance.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mr N Bennet-Williams
- 30-08-21
Description of the current system
The story describes how the system works against you if you're from a minority background and have issues from racial discrimination and prejudice. Not sure about the accent the story teller is using.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wendy
- 27-09-22
Interesting to hear similar experiences!
I sympathise with the writers journey, so many aspects I agree with. Very detailed. Such a shame that a good officer experienced such treatment.
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