Members of the public are making a difference in how the police are advised on diversity issues.
The Independent Advisory Group - made up of local volunteers from around the county – has met to look back at the progress made in the last year. The members held an annual review with 100 guests including temporary Chief Constable, Adrian Leppard, and Chair of the Kent Police Authority, Ann Barnes.
The session, held at the KPC College in Maidstone, looked at a number of cases where the group has offered advice and guidance to the police. These include incidences of hate crime, recruitment, preventing violent extremism, and support to older and disabled people in the community.
As well as the strategic group, there are now localised Independent Advisory Groups to cover all six policing areas that form the county.
The group, funded by the Kent Police Authority, was originally set up in 2006. It’s formed of 11 members from diverse backgrounds and will be expanding next month as more local people join.
This financial year the group will be working with the police on issues such as stop and search, complaints, and neighbourhood policing.
Ann Barnes, Chair of the Kent Police Authority said: ‘One of the jobs of the Authority is to talk to our communities. We need to reflect those views in the policing priorities and decision making. A police force that doesn’t adequately serve a section or groups in society isn’t doing its job. All our communities are entitled to, and deserve, the very best policing we can provide. The Kent Police Authority has worked really hard to turn our legal obligations and duties into a reality. We need an Independent Advisory Group to work with us to make sure we’re not missing any views.’
Gurvinder Sandher, Independent Advisory Chair said: ‘We have made some positive strides which I hope we can build on. Our members have worked hard contributing to policy consultations and acting as a critical friend to Kent Police. It is very important to remember that all our members are volunteers, and that they are giving up their own free time to provide advice and support. We’re making great progress and I’m confident with the growth of the group we can offer even more advice on diversity issues during this financial year.’
You can find out more about the Independent Advisory Group and how to join by visiting www.iag.kent.police.uk