A project which has seen several officers from the force sit down to share meals with families from a diverse range of faiths and cultures, has been hailed a success.
A dozen meals have taken place as part of the unique project entitled ‘Cops, Communities and Consent’.
Families from Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Polish and diverse communities, were among those who hosted meals and discussed topics ranging from local policing and careers to perceptions of the police.
Chief Constable Simon Cole and Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach were among those who sat down to supper with host families.
Mr Cole described the project as a chance to “open the doors further into other communities.”
The European project is being led by Leicester charity, the St Philip’s Centre, to foster greater understanding and involvement between different faiths and cultures in diverse cities including Antwerp, in Belgium, and Rotterdam in The Netherlands.
Sergeant Kev Mistry was among those officers who took part. He enjoyed a meal with Muslim family Ismail Jogi and Naadira Nurgat and their sons, at their home in Humberstone.
He said: “As well as enjoying a wonderful meal, it was nice to have the opportunity, in an informal setting, to discuss those issues that matter most to people and gain some new perspectives.
“Local policing is very much about working in partnership and listening to the needs of those living and working in the community so that we can be proactive.”
Barbara Czyznikowska, chair of Project Polska which focuses on improving social cohesion and wellbeing of the Polish communities in Leicestershire, hosted a meal attended by Loughborough Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Matt Oswin and Loughborough PCSO Matthew Harburt.
She said: “It was a lovely evening, full of informal conversations and laughter. But most importantly, it was a platform to engage in dialogue and learn about each other. It also allowed us to share some of the challenges the Polish community faces and seek collaboration for future initiatives.”
Darsheet Chauhan and his family welcomed Melton inspector Siobhan Gorman and Superintendent Natalee Wignall to his home in Thurnby where they took part in some traditional Hindu activities including Rangoli art.
Mr Chauhan said: “It was a very natural, relaxed, and honest conversation and I think everyone took something away from it. It opened our eyes to policing and equally we were able to share parts of our culture.”
Lord Bach added: “This was a great opportunity to meet people from different faiths and backgrounds in a relaxed situation where we could exchange information and share experiences. It’s an excellent way to learn about each other’s traditions and I believe it will help intercultural understanding and inclusiveness."
The project is funded by the Open Society Foundation which works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies. It will also see officers share and develop learning with European colleagues.
In addition, faith leaders will be invited to ‘shadow’ local officers in their roles in order to get a greater understanding of what this involves.
An external ‘Forces Faith Forum’ has also been created to rotate between different places of worship. It is now assisting in reviewing force policies and actions.
Riaz Ravat, deputy director of the St Philip’s Centre said: “As a public service it is vital that the Police have the trust and confidence of all the communities which they serve. The project has made some good inroads into creating opportunities for local people to speak directly to the Police in a free and frank way.”