Igbo Union Workshop Highlights Collaborative Efforts with Local Police
On the evening of November 18th, a significant workshop took place at the Hanley Community Police and Fire Station, bringing together 20 members of the Igbo Union Stoke-on-Trent and local law enforcement officials, including Chief Police Donna Harvey and her team. The workshop, held from 6 to 9 PM at Lower Bethesda Street, Stoke, focused on fostering mutual understanding and enhancing safety measures within the community.
The session opened with a robust discussion on political engagement, emphasizing the union’s commitment to active participation in local politics to advocate for the interests of the Igbo community. Members engaged in dialogue aimed at ensuring their voices are heard and represented on decision-making platforms, reinforcing the union’s role in political advocacy.
A critical component of the workshop was the examination of police force tactics, including the use of handcuffs, batons, PAVA spray, and TASERs. Discussions extended to the implementation of body-worn video policies, with a focus on how these measures align with public expectations of transparency. The meeting provided a platform for members to express their views and suggest improvements, highlighting the community’s vested interest in the fair and transparent application of law enforcement practices.
Additionally, the workshop delved into the strategies for enhancing the sharing of information on the use of force and stop and search practices. Members and police officials explored ideas for a new training product that would incorporate lived experiences and cultural awareness. This initiative aims to produce training materials that reflect a well-rounded perspective, further bridging the gap between the community and the police force.
The Igbo Union expressed gratitude for the coordination and participation of all attendees and is looking forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration. Plans are underway to build on the discussions from this workshop to develop further engagement opportunities and educational materials.
Refreshments were provided at the venue, and despite limited parking, members were efficiently accommodated and escorted to the meeting room, ensuring a smooth flow to the evening’s proceedings. The union is now gathering early feedback on specific areas of interest for future presentations and discussions to continue addressing the community’s needs and concerns effectively.
