Police plan to recruit an Imam
An Imam could be recruited by Northamptonshire Police to help the force deal with Muslim issues and work with the Islamic community.
A review into diversity within the force is due to be discussed at a meeting of Northamptonshire Police Authority's equalities and engagement committee next week.
Members will be asked to consider findings that an Imam, who leads prayers and provides religious guidelines for Muslims, would help officers better understand concerns among the community.
The report, by Chief Constable Peter Maddison, added a prayer room for staff and visitors could be created at the force's base at Wootton Hall.
It said: "The diversity strategic board has determined that it would be beneficial to engage the services of an Imam who could advise and guide the force on Muslim issues. There are also plans to identify suitable accommodation to create a room for quiet reflection and/or prayer within the force headquarters site.This will be available to staff and visitors alike.
"The Muslim Support Forum was launched in 2008 and the event was a success in terms of external representation. The forum has only a few members of staff at present but the existence of such a forum sends positive messages internally and externally that the organisation welcomes and supports Muslim staff and the wider community.
"This forum will join the other internal support networks in being part of the force consultation process."
Key findings of the review into diversity found Northamptonshire Police was one of only 13 forces meeting Home Office targets, with four per cent of officers – 52 out of 1,309 – of black or ethnic minorities.
The report said: "This is testament to the continued efforts made by the force to create an organisation which has a well-founded reputation for celebrating diversity and reflecting the community it serves. Northamptonshire Police maintains its commitment to ensuring that respect for diversity is embedded into core operational activity and cultural awareness.
"Significant progress has been made over recent years, but the force recognises that complacency is not an option, and therefore continues to introduce initiatives which support the understanding of diversity at all levels," the report added.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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