Police hold meeting with Hindu temple leaders

The meeting was chaired by Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

Police bosses have met with Hindu temple leaders with the aim of strengthening community relations and boosting recruitment.

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Danielle Stone held the discussions alongside Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley.

It was part of a series of meetings with different communities and faiths that the PFCC and the police have held.

Ms Stone said: "The roundtable was essential to building a new strong relationship with the community."

The office of the PFCC said the meeting last week focused on the issue of representation and diversity within policing.

Attendees had questions and suggestions on how Hindu people could be more attracted to the recruitment process and be encouraged to apply for positions in Northamptonshire Police.

'Attracting people from all backgrounds'

The Labour PFCC said: "Our workforce must be representative of our communities.

"I was pleased to hear directly from the community leaders how we can ensure we take the right approach in our recruitment.

"Our emergency services must be inclusive and shaped by the voices of those they serve."

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet (centre) and Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley (second left) attended the meeting

Northamptonshire Police said ethnic diversity representation in the force was just below 5%, which is the highest it has ever been, but added it wanted that to increase.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said: "We are committed to making Northamptonshire Police truly reflective of the communities we serve, and that means attracting, recruiting and retaining people from all backgrounds."

Raj Ladwa, a volunteer from BAPS Hindu Temple in Wellingborough, attended the roundtable and said: "It was a highly productive discussion with the commissioner and chief constable, focusing on stronger engagement between the police and the Hindu community and improving representation within the force."