A NEW branch of the Black Police Association (BPA) is proving so successful that other forces are following its example.

Durham Constabulary's branch was formed at the end of last year to provide support to officers from ethnic backgrounds.

The organisation was started by the Metropolitan Police, which realised that large numbers of black and Asian officers were leaving the force.

Although the Metropolitan Police were very good at recruiting minority officers, they were leaving quicker than they were being employed.

A survey revealed that officers felt that they were receiving little support.

The formation of the BPA made a huge difference and retainment improved and the model has been repeated all over the country.

Sergeant Nadim Khaliq, chairman of the newly formed Durham branch, said: "We have had an informal network for about five years and I personally had a look at the national BPA, how it operated and how it worked.

"We found some very positive aspects of the association I thought we would benefit from. I took it to our executive members and they were very supportive."

Durham affiliated to the national BPA in December and has 15 members, which is all but one of the eligible officers in the constabulary.

Sgt Khaliq said: "Local issues which are raised are mainly about how we can get minority people into the police service. We look at ways of positive action schemes as to recruiting people into the police.

"But I must stress that we have not had any problems which have been brought to the Black Police Association in Durham as yet.

"Durham is a very positive organisation which does care about each individual, regardless of the background or the ethnic make-up."

Sgt Khaliq said that he has been approached by Northumbria Police for advice on how to set up a branch of the BPA.

And there are also plans for a women's officer group in Durham to run on similar lines.