Black church leaders from across Northamptonshire have attended a round table convened by the county’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Marianne Kimani. The event was held to discuss partnerships, representation, and trust and confidence in policing.
“It is so important that the Black communities have positive interactions with the police and not just when things go wrong. This meeting is just the beginning,” said Marianne Kimani.
Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet spoke to the group about how he wants to work with the churches to begin building relationships. He said: “I know trust in the police is at its lowest, but I am determined to listen to our Black community and hear what they need from us to ensure that every member of our county feels safe and that they can come to us.“I am determined to increase diversity across all police staff so that communities feel represented by their police force.”
The round table concluded with an opportunity for the church leaders to make suggestions of things they would like Northamptonshire Police to start, stop and continue doing. Comments included increasing a positive presence in churches and communities, more education on the law for young people, and reviewing stop and search procedures.
Churches Together in Northampton County Ecumenical Development Officer Allison Shefford said: “It is so important that as churches and community leaders we work together to share our voices as one unit and make all our communities better.”
Astrid Vieru-Huttmann a leader from United Life Church in Northampton noted that it was the first time in the county that the leaders of Black-Led Churches were in the same room together in unity giving the church a voice.
Read more from Churches Together in Northampton.
Photo credits: Office of Northamptonshire Poilce, Fire and Crime Commissioner