Black-Led Churches Get Inside Look at Police Training
Members of the Majority Black Led Churches (MBLC) visited Nottinghamshire Police’s joint force headquarters for a hands-on look at training for new and experienced officers. They witnessed expert coaching on how police use proportionate force on the streets.
Chief Supt Verma: Building Trust Through Transparency
Chief Superintendent Suk Verma, Head of Local Policing, said: “Proactive community engagement events like this are vital to boosting trust and confidence in the police.” He added that church leaders hold huge influence and the force wants to keep open, honest dialogue with them about officer training.
“We know we’ve made real progress, but we’re always eager to learn and welcome feedback from church leaders—good or bad.”
Hands-On Training: Stop & Search, Handcuffs, Detentions
The March 14 event saw around 30 officers drilled on stop and search tactics, handcuff application, and suspect detention. Chief Supt Verma explained that force is only used when absolutely necessary and must be reasonable and proportionate.
“Any use of force is fully recorded and reviewed to ensure it’s justified.”
Church Leaders Praise Police Efforts on Race and Trust
Pastor Clive Foster of Pilgrim Church welcomed the chance to see officers upskill and urged police to keep showing strong, fair leadership in diverse communities.
“With willingness to learn and engage, trust and confidence will improve. We’re happy to support this process,” he said.
The visit ties into Nottinghamshire Police’s National Race Action Plan. Launched as a draft in May 2022, it followed a major survey with over 5,000 responses, including 10% from Black or mixed Black heritage residents. The force aims to publish the final plan later this year, using all public and officer feedback to shape the way forward.
Police and church leaders are proving that honest conversations and transparency are the key to better community relations.
