Hertfordshire Constabulary held a "thought-provoking and emotional" event to mark Black History Month.

The annual conference, hosted by the Hertfordshire Black and Asian Police Association (HBAPA), focused on the themes of honouring the past, respecting the present, and embracing the future.

HBAPA chair, Detective Chief Inspector Tony Fontenelle, said: "This annual conference has grown into an event that brings people together.

"Understanding the past helps us collectively shape our future."

Speakers, including former Herts Chief Inspector Alicia Shaw, Detective Sergeant Deji Afolabi, and Sergeant Andrew Thomas shared personal stories and the challenges they faced in their policing journeys.

They discussed the barriers they overcame and the support they received.

National Black Police Association president Andy George, Herts Chief Constable Charlie Hall, and Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards also participated.

Superintendent Di Whiteside, the force lead for race, said: "We are on a continuing journey as we strive to address racial disproportionality in our ranks.

"But days like today also show how far we have come."

The conference also saw the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster, presenting awards to HBAPA members for their work with the association.