Chief constable hosts dinner as part of efforts to build inclusive police service
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell hosted a dinner this week where she welcomed key individuals from religious and minority ethnic communities as part of efforts to build a more inclusive policing Service.
The event took place at Police Scotland’s headquarters, Tulliallan, on Wednesday (January 22) and followed several engagement sessions which have focused on building stronger relationships and better understanding of underrepresented communities.
Police Scotland said these engagement events were “a key element” of its Policing Together Strategy, under the new communities pillar, as it drives work to build an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory, policing service.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton for Policing Together said: “All communities must feel able to speak to the police, to share information or concerns and to report crimes. We want people from all backgrounds to see policing as a potential career in which they can thrive and flourish, and know they are valued for themselves.
“We have previously acknowledged that underrepresented communities have not always received the policing service that they deserve, and the onus is on us to change that and earn their trust.
“Police Scotland remains absolutely determined to drive meaningful change to become a more inclusive organisation and these engagement events are an important part of building connections and maintaining relationships of trust and confidence.
“Our officers and staff play a vital role in building these relationships, and we are continuing to provide them with training and guidance to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding to deliver the highest standard of service to all the communities we serve.”