Sislin Fay Allen was a trailblazing figure in British law enforcement, becoming the first black woman police constable in the United Kingdom. Born on March 20, 1938, in Jamaica, Allen moved to the United Kingdom in the early 1960s, settling in Thornton Heath, Croydon
Before joining the police force, Allen worked as a state registered nurse at Queen’s Hospital in Croydon, specializing in geriatric care. Her interest in law enforcement led her to respond to a recruitment advertisement in 1968, marking the beginning of her groundbreaking career.
Allen joined the Metropolitan Police in 1968 at the age of 29, just a year after Norwell Roberts became the first black officer in the British police since the 19th century. Her appointment garnered significant media attention, with Allen recalling, “On the day I joined I nearly broke a leg trying to run away from reporters.”
After completing 13 weeks of training at Peel House, Allen was posted to Fell Road police station in Croydon on April 29, 1968. Her presence in the force was met with curiosity and interest, though she faced some challenges, including receiving threatening and abusive letters.
Allen’s career in the Metropolitan Police spanned from 1968 to 1972. During this time, she served at various locations:
Fell Road police station in Croydon
Missing Persons Bureau at Scotland Yard
Norbury police station
In 1972, Allen resigned from the Metropolitan Police and returned to Jamaica with her family, where she joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force. She later returned to England and, as of 2015, was living in South London.
Allen’s contributions to policing were recognized in 2020 when she received a lifetime achievement award from the National Black Police Association. This honor acknowledged her role in paving the way for minority and female officers in the force.
Sislin Fay Allen’s pioneering role has been an inspiration to many, particularly women and people of color aspiring to join the police force. Her courage in breaking barriers has allowed others to follow a career in policing, as noted by Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association.
Allen passed away on July 5, 2021, at the age of 83 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the push for diversity and inclusion in law enforcement.
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