Newsbeat Daily
West Midlands Police have helped set up a special Jamaican reference group to influence local policing during this summer’s visit by the Jamaican 2012 Olympic team.
Sgt Dave Harris from Birmingham Central police station in a still from the new video
The group has also been formed so that consultation can take place around the 50th Anniversary of Jamaican Independence, as well as wider social and cultural matters.
The reference group – chaired by Everton Burke – will meet with police on a regular basis to influence key decisions and share concerns, queries and information.
In return, West Midlands Police will share information with the group to further increase awareness and understanding of policing within the wider Jamaican community.
Officers will also explain the reasoning behind various policing tactics and activities in an effort to dispel myths and increase trust and confidence.
Chief Inspector Mandy Platt said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Jamaican reference group and feel that this partnership will prove hugely beneficial throughout 2012 and beyond.
“It is important that we work with this group to gain a better understanding of what our communities want and how they perceive our service.
“We will be meeting on a regular basis and look forward to progressing with this hugely beneficial partnership.”
Everton Burke said: “As members of the Jamaican Reference Group we welcome this initiative by the West Midlands Police to positively engage with us.
“It is a great opportunity for both parties to work together towards establishing an open and positive dialogue on policing the Jamaican and wider black communities of the West Midlands.
“I am committed to making this relationship both an effective one and a sustainable one long into the future, as are the other members of this group.”
Officers have set up a short video to be played to the Jamaican Reference group to gain their opinions on policing during the Olympics. (The attached photo shows a still from this video).
Police are also encouraging members of the Jamaican community to get involved by taking part in a series of filmed sessions throughout April and May.
West Midlands Police regularly consults with groups from all sections of the community. For more information on how you can influence local policing priorities, please visit www.west-midlands.police.uk.
