Church Leaders Join Police Training to Boost Community Trust
Members of the Majority Black Led Churches (MBLC) got a firsthand look at police training during a visit to joint force headquarters. The session covered how officers use proportionate force when patrolling local streets.
Inside Look at Police Use of Force
Chief Superintendent Suk Verma, Nottinghamshire Police’s Head of Local Policing, said: “Proactive community engagement events like this one are vital in our journey to increase trust and confidence in police and build positive relationships with our communities.”
She added, “Church leaders are incredibly important and influential people. By being open and transparent about the way officers are trained, we hope to continue and enhance our honest dialogue with them.”
Chief Supt Verma emphasised that officers only use force when absolutely necessary, reasonable, and proportionate. “Any use of force is recorded and scrutinised to ensure it has been used correctly,” she said.
Training Focuses on Stop and Search and Detention
The March 14 event saw about 30 officers practised in key tactics like stop and search, handcuffing, and detaining suspects. Pastor Clive Foster from Pilgrim Church praised the initiative, saying:
“It was good to see officers being upskilled. Police must show leadership and understanding that diverse communities behave differently. With strong, fair leadership and a willingness to learn from partners, trust and confidence can improve. We are keen to help with that process.”
He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the police under the National Police Action Plan. The training session visit was described as a positive step in building ongoing dialogue between faith leaders and law enforcement.
Shaping Policing Through Public Feedback
The visit forms part of Nottinghamshire Police’s implementation of the National Police Action Plan, first drafted in May 2022. A public survey, one of the largest policing consultations ever, collected over 5,000 responses — 10% from Black or mixed Black heritage respondents.
Now, all feedback is being reviewed to refine the plan ahead of its final release later this year.
Community and police working side by side — a vital move in building safer, more trusted neighbourhoods.
