PCC pays tribute to local man described as “a pillar of Bristol’s conscience”   

The passing of Bristol resident, Ras Judah Adunbi was sad news of a deeply respected community elder and longstanding advocate for race equality and police–community relations in Bristol.  

The impact of his legacy on shaping the way we deliver public accountability and scrutiny of the police cannot be understated.  

Many of you will be aware that the 2017 incident, during which Mr Adunbi was the victim of mistaken identity and Tasering by police. This incident brought national attention to issues of trust, accountability, and disproportionality in policing. 

The conversations and scrutiny that followed this incident played an important part in shaping and strengthening independent oversight arrangements in Avon & Somerset, contributing to the environment in which today’s Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel (ISoPP) model was developed  

Ras Judah’s experience helped catalyse a more transparent and community centred approach to scrutiny, accountability and learning of our police service.  

It’s important to acknowledge the decades Mr Adunbi dedicated to strengthening trust between policing and Bristol’s African-Caribbean and Black heritage communities. He was a founding member of independent advisory groups that created vital space for community voices, and he mentored generations of young people through sports and community development.  

Tributes describe him as “a pillar of Bristol’s conscience” who carried both the pain and pride of the city with dignity and worked tirelessly so others could “stand taller.” 

I know his passing will be felt deeply across Bristol and within policing, where many valued his courage, candour, and unwavering commitment to fairness and justice on behalf of people in his community. His legacy continues in the structures, relationships and principles that guide our work today. 

I extend my sincere condolences to Mr Adunbi’s family, friends, and the many communities he championed.