Throughout June, around 180 officers from Dorset Police
attended diversity training sessions called ‘Local Community
Awareness – Faith’ at the Chabad Synagogue on Lansdowne Road in
Bournemouth.
Representatives from a variety of faith groups
– Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian – gave the officers a brief
insight into their faiths and beliefs. They also highlighted work
in the community that they were involved in.
Participants then had the opportunity to ask
the faith representatives questions. The officers took up this
opportunity and showed their interest by getting very involved.
The training sessions were followed by
refreshments, giving the officers and panel representatives the
chance to have informal talks and get to know one another over a
coffee and a cake.
Following the events, Andrew Kay, Chair of the
Chabad Synagogue, wrote to the Bournemouth and Poole Divisional
Commander. In his letter he said: “It was an absolute delight to
host the training days and I believe all parties gained from the
experience.
“Any vehicle promoting better understanding
and mutual respect must benefit all concerned.
“The officers we met during the past month
have been an absolute credit to both you and the force”.
Inspector Clodie Sutcliffe, of Bournemouth
police, said: “I am delighted that our
officers had the opportunity to have an open forum with members of
our community from a variety of faiths. It has provoked some
excellent discussions and greater understanding.
“Dorset Police continue to build on
the close working relationship we have with members of our
Jewish Community, and we really appreciate the kind hospitality
shown to us by Rabbi Alperowitz."
Another event in the same format is already planned for
September, giving another 45 police officers the chance to gain
additional knowledge about the different faith groups in the
communities they serve.