Non-Muslim police fast for 18 hours in Ramadan unity ‘stunt’

A POLICE force sent non-Muslim officers to fast to show ‘unity’ with the Islamic community in Ramadan.

Northamptonshire Police gave officers the opportunity to take part in an 18-hour fast at a mosque on Monday.

But some residents criticised the force, accusing it of using the event, organised by the Northamptonshire Association of Muslim Police, as a ‘publicity stunt’.

One of the officers who took part, Kamilla Poole, said: ‘Fasting with no food and water was quite an experience… it requires dedication and self-control.

‘As part of my role, I want to get deeper into the community roots to help increase participation and recruitment from all parts of the community.’

‘How about fighting crime?’

But a press release showing him and another special constable grinning as they tucked into food at the Headlands Mosque in Northampton at the end of their fast provoked a backlash.

Jack Mannion, 35, of Northampton, said: ‘I’m not one to criticise anybody for their religious beliefs but this is outrageous. It’s merely a cheap publicity stunt.’

Charlbeck Jewellers in Corby tweeted: ‘As well as “inclusion, equality, and diversity”, how about fighting crime?’

Others defended the decision. Ant Elsayed wrote on the force’s Facebook page: ‘Well done guys. Police need to be closely integrated into our communities.’

Northamptonshire Police chief inspector James Willis said: ‘This event was attended by a number of off-duty officers and two onduty special constables.’