Association for Sikhs launched

An association representing the interests of Sikh police officers and staff in the UK has been launched at Thames Valley Police headquarters.
The British Sikh Police Association (BSPA) aims to provide a national forum and support for Sikh members of the police service. Its aims also include helping police forces in the UK develop strategies to recruit, retain and progress Sikh officers and staff.
Sergeant Kashmira Singh Mann, the chair of the BSPA, said: “This is an important step towards improving the profile of Sikh officers within the police and giving them an officially-recognised voice, and improving the police’s understanding of the communities it serves.
“The establishment of the BSPA, for us, represents an important move towards social cohesion and integration, just
like other support networks within the police. Sikh police officers are in a privileged position in that we are well placed to strengthen the bridge that already exists between our employer and our community, and promote understanding on both sides.”
He added: “This will provide a better service for the Sikh community and improve their confidence in the police.”
Full membership of the BSPA is open to all current members of a UK police force who are Sikhs by birth or who have converted to the faith.
Associate membership is open to all current and former personnel of the UK police service, as well as to all partners of full and associate members.
It is estimated that there are more than 500 Sikh police officers and more than 1,500 Sikh police staff in the UK.