Fed members on a mission to break down barriers with community

28 September 2023

A Hertfordshire Police Federation member has told how teaming up with local organisations is helping to break down barriers and engage with hard-to-reach communities across the county.

Police constable Miles Stanley, who works as part of the Force’s Positive Action Recruitment team told how the team recently collaborated with local barbershop Extreme Kuts, to hold a meet-up event for the Black community.

The 31-year-old officer explained how events like these are the ‘perfect’ way to engage with black and ethnic minority communities and also connect with youngsters who could be the future of policing.

“As a member of the black community, I know that there’s definitely a stigma surrounding the police. I’m 31 and my mum would tell me as a young boy to watch out if I was walking past a police car. And although policing has evolved, these views do get passed on through the generations,” said Miles.

“Events like these - that take place in locations like barbershops - are perfect for breaking down those barriers and helping to remove that stigma.

“I know that people spend a lot of time in barbershops, putting the world to rights. So what better than to spend the day there, chatting to the locals, of all ages about their concerns, as well as the work we do.”

He said that the day was very well received, adding: “Of course, the locals were slightly hesitant at first, but it didn’t take long to get the conversations flowing.”

As part of the event, the team spoke to members of the community about career opportunities, which involved talking to them about the Force’s ‘ride-along’ scheme.

“Growing up, I always wanted to join the police but I never had the opportunity to ask officers any questions or hear about the work the Force does,” continued Miles.

“If somebody does have an interest in becoming an officer, we want them to understand the role and give them an insight into the job. The ‘ride-along’ scheme does exactly that. Once vetted, those who have applied, can spend some time going out with our officers, so they can see what the job is really about.”

Miles said that following the event, they received three applications from individuals wanting to take part in the scheme.

“It might not sound like a lot but it is,” he added.

Sergeant Andrew Thomas said that the main aim of the Positive Action Recruitment is to ‘attract and retain those with protected characteristics ensuring that any barriers that people face due to a protected characteristic are overcome.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone is given the same opportunities as everyone else - especially those with protected characteristics. And being visible, being seen and holding events like this one help with this mission,” he explained.

“I want to inspire people to join the police. I want to have those honest conversations to help squash the stigma surrounding police that’s still so present in black communities.”

Andrew, 35, added that it is important that officers of all ethnicities work together to break down the barriers.

He ended: “There’s no point in only black officers going out and trying to speak with black communities. There needs to be a mix of all ethnicities, all on the same mission, so communities can see us all working together as one.”