By:Somesh Sibal
Liverpool police community engagement program was attended by Somesh Sibal of the Hindu Council of Australia’s Chaplaincy team along with members of about 15 different cultural and religious groups in the area. The program was organised on 29th March 2018 to meet the new Liverpool area commander Superintendent Paul Albury. Paul addressed the attendees. Among the topic discussed how to have healthy community engagement with police with respect to both police and community.
Liverpool police is currently working on improving protocols to:
Greetings: What are the protocols with greetings each other within the culture (physical proximity and touching)
Cultural Influence in Interaction: Are there any religious/cultural practices which may influence the way people interact with police?
Protocol for entering church/temple: Are there any special considerations when entering church/temple.
Protocols in Searching temple/Church: Is there any protocol to follow in case police need to search the temple/Church, including religious objects such as statues, altar, tabernacle etc.
Role of Religious and community leaders: What is the role of religious and community leaders in case community protests, demonstrations or any other circumstances involving police and community confrontation.
Providing Specimens: Does providing blood samples, body fluid or any other specimens for investigative purposes present problems? Are there any dates or religious significance when we should not approach an individual for an interview?
