Culture class for frontline police teams

It’s back to school for hundreds of Kirklees bobbies as they take a lesson in Islamic culture. Around 300 frontline officers will take part in “myth-busting” training designed to help them better understand the Muslim communities they serve.

Acting Chief Insp Adrian Waugh said: “We want to make sure that our officers have a full understanding of the diverse communities they serve on a daily basis. Our aim is always to treat everyone fairly and by taking part in the training, it gives our officers the knowledge and awareness to deal with people professionally and courteously while dealing with different religions and cultures.”

Kirklees Faith Network has designed a 90 minute cultural awareness programme for the police at no cost to the force after the success of an similar scheme in 2009. That scheme earned commendations from the then divisional commander, Chief Supt John Robins.

Faith network volunteer Waseem Riaz said: “These sessions are not designed to propagate the Islamic faith. They’re designed to give a basic introduction into the Muslim culture for staff engaging with different sections of the community. It’s myth-busting work.”

Dewsbury Reporter, 29 May 2012