Discrimination victims invited to speak to specially trained police officers and staff (From Dorset Echo)

Discrimination victims invited to speak to specially trained police officers and staff

1:00pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News

VICTIMS of discrimination are being invited to come forward and speak to new specially trained police officers and staff.

Officers and civilian members of Dorset Police have become equality champions in a bid to deal with crimes involving minority groups in the community.

They will support frontline staff by providing advice and tactical guidance on matters related to age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or beliefs and sexual orientation. Dorset’s police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill attended the launch of the scheme.

He said: “The creation of equality champions is a positive move to engaging more with communities, and will continue to improve the service that the force provides.

“I support this concept whole-heartedly and look forward to working with our champions in the future.”

The new champions are looking to help to develop the trust and confidence of minorities and will be working with Safer Neighbourhood Teams on forging links with individuals and groups.

They will also provide specialist support in the investigation of hate crimes and incidents.

A representative of the Dorset Race Equality Council was at the launch and Adnan Chaudry, chief officer for the charity, said he applauded the initiative.

“I think it will help the police in terms of engaging better with minority communities,” he said.