Community conversations to improve policing in Wiltshire
New initiative addresses relations between police and ethnic minority groups
Last updated 15th Mar 2021
Talks have begun looking at improving Wiltshire Police's relations with ethnic minority communities.
Two online meetings dubbed 'The Big Debate' were held last week. Around 30 members of the public from ethnic minorities across the county gave their candid views on policing and how the Force can make real tangible improvements for the future.
The sessions, hosted by an independent facilitator, included Wiltshire's Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jerry Herbert.
WILTSHIRE POLICE - THE BIG DEBATE
Topics ranged from feedback on the use of police powers, mainly around stop and search, experiences of individuals applying to join the police and general levels of trust and confidence.
There was a strong call for more active follow up on crime reporting - even if there is insufficient evidence to proceed - so that victims feel it is worth reporting and understand what action has been taken. Ideas for how Wiltshire Police can better connect with ethnic minority communities centered on education - police officers and police staff being much more active in schools from the earliest age to help children develop trust and confidence in the police. Also for more active participation in community events such as street stalls, food festivals and being present at other local events where people spend their leisure time.
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, who leads for Wiltshire Police on equality, diversity and inclusion, said:
"We are really pleased with how these first sessions went and the honest feedback we got."
"People gave their opinions on policing very freely - the good and the bad. We will take note of all the points raised and the brilliant ideas that came forward. I will be leading a session with our senior leadership team to review the feedback and what we are going to do differently, or do more of, as a result."
ETHIC MINORITY POLICE OFFICERS
Police recruitment was another key theme and a push for the police to continue its efforts to employ more ethnic minorities and feature more ethnic minority police officers and police staff in positive stories in the media.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jerry Herbert said:
"Diversity in the police workforce is incredibly important and this work needs to be stepped up to ensure the Force truly reflects the public it is here to serve,"
"The Force is under-represented in the numbers of police officers who are female or from an ethnic minority background and this needs to change - we heard in the conversations that people want to see 'more people like me', which is absolutely right."
"Visible and proactive communication is key for workplace diversity and also from a victim perspective. The Force needs to do more to ensure that all victims of crime have some sort of outcome when they come forward to report a crime, however minor."
Wiltshire Police has a number of independent advisory groups on policing, including a Diverse Communities Group. New members are always welcome visit wiltshire.police.uk and search 'Diverse Communities' to find out more and how to join.