Chief officers to answer public questions at Community Engagement Forum

Senior police officers will take part in a public question and answer session in Gloucester later this week to further strengthen our relationships with our communities.

The Community Engagement Forum has been jointly organised by the Constabulary and the Community Legitimacy Panel (CLP) – an independent panel which was set up in 2020 to address issues of racial inequality within policing.

The Forum will provide local residents with the opportunity to put questions to senior officers and members of the CLP on a range of topics, as well as raise any concerns they may have relating to policing or Gloucestershire Constabulary.

At previous Forums, the last of which was held in May last year, subjects covered have included:

• The Police Race Action Plan
• The training received by officers relating to mental health, vulnerabilities, cultural awareness, communication and de-escalation tactics
• Our recruitment of police officers
• Mental health practitioners in custody units
• Our complaints process
• Engagement with young people
• Stop and search, including the exposure of intimate body parts searches involving children
• Vehicle stops – particularly of lone Black women
• Support for Black victims of crime

This week’s event will take place between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Thursday 31 July at the Church of God Prophecy, Melbourne Street East.

On the panel answering the public’s questions will be Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson (our Chief Officer for Legitimacy and Misconduct), Superintendent Mark Chicken (local policing commander for Gloucester and the Forest of Dean), Sandra Samuel (who oversees the Constabulary’s diversity, equality and inclusion programme – Better Together) and Teddy Burton (CLP Chair).

Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said: “This will by my first Forum and I’m very much looking forward to hearing directly from members of our communities, specifically those from diverse backgrounds who we recognise have not always had as much trust in policing as we would like.

“Having direct, honest dialogue with the people we serve and hearing their lived experiences of the Constabulary is invaluable. Being accessible and as transparent as we can be about the implementation of our powers and policies helps us maintain our legitimacy and improve the public’s trust and confidence in our organisation.

“As a Constabulary we welcome all views and questions. We will listen to feedback and look to demonstrate how we are responding to the issues we know are of interest and at times, concern, whether these be about the actions of our officers and staff or the challenging financial times we are currently operating in.”

Teddy Burton, CLP Chair, said: “People from all backgrounds recognise that, in order to keep communities safe, it is appropriate to vest powers, some of which are coercive, in the hands of the police. However, it is essential that those powers are used equitably, proportionately, and only when necessary.

“These forums offer the opportunity for community members to share their experiences of policing, highlight where change is required and, if the constabulary responds correctly, this will enhance legitimacy.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Evans, who will be attending on the night, said: “Improving public trust and confidence in policing is one of Chris Nelson’s top priorities – and that starts with listening.

“These regular community meetings are a vital part of ensuring the public’s voice is heard and valued.

“They give us an opportunity to understand concerns, share updates, and work together to shape policing in our county.”

A Caribbean buffet will be available to those attending the event and parking is available at Kingfisher Church, Moor Street, Gloucester.