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Police forge links with muslim community
Dec 17 2004
Police officers from South Yorkshire and Merseyside were gathering at Birmingham Central Mosque to share ideas about the best way of strengthening ties with Muslim communities.
West Midlands Police said visiting officers would meet leaders of the Mosque in Highgate to learn about work undertaken locally to forge links with its members.
The officers would also sit in on morning prayers.
PC Anthony Fisher, based at Digbeth police station, said he hoped the visit would highlight the benefits of good communication.
He said: "Our relationship with the Mosque started through our policing of traffic and parking in the area during the busy Friday morning prayers but has developed a great deal since.
"Officers have been liaising with the Mosque for about 18 months which has helped us to form a link. Someone is now continually in touch with the Mosque."
He added: "We're hoping to send a positive message to other police forces across the country, showing that communication with Asian or other ethnic minority communities is beneficial for both parties."
Dr Mohammad Naseem, chairman of the Mosque, said he was delighted to receive the visitors.
He said: "Any contact with the police that promotes understanding is beneficial and sets an example to be proud of."
