Out on patrol to see steps to beat virus
POLICE have been working with community members in walkabouts around areas of the city, including Spinney Hills and St Matthew’s, writes Asha Patel.
In attempts to engage members of the public and build bridges between officers and residents, officers have been joined by Suleman Nagdi, the spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations, Rukhsana Hussain, a community champion, and other volunteers.
In light of the local lockdown, Leicester has been under scrutiny with questions asked about why there has been a spike in Covid-19 cases in the city.
After being out on patrol with officers, Mr Nagdi said: “I sense there has been a suggestion the people of Leicester are somehow reckless or not serious in their behaviours.
“I was extremely heartened to find all the people I spoke to were all very determined in the steps they are taking in order to comply with and observe the social distancing guidelines and some businesses even went beyond these guidelines.”
Mr Nagdi said he was able to see the positive community response to the lockdown, first-hand, while on patrol.
“It is wonderful to see people within the city are joined together from all faiths and different backgrounds in their determination in addressing the difficulties and try to get stability in all of our lives in our wonderful city of Leicester,” he said.
Ms Hussain runs a community initiative called Outspoken, and hosts open and honest conversations about issues within Leicester communities.
Before the UK lockdown, the open sessions would be attended by up to 100 people of all ages.
She said: “I have said it before and I will say it again, we need to be working closely with the police when it comes to things like this.”
Under lockdown rules, police can fine people who are not compliant with the regulations, which has been a contentious issue for many people, but Rukhsana said the current patrols were about an “understanding approach”.
She told the Mercury: “This isn’t about just giving fines to people who are out and about, it’s about engaging, explaining and encouraging, and if needed, enforcing - I love that approach.”
Ms Hussain said on one occasion, she was able to speak to a young person who questioned why she was in the company of the officers and explain the importance of what they were doing.
“It was great to be able to have that back-and-forth with young people,” she said.
Sergeant Steve Palmer, deputy commander for the east Leicester neighbourhood policing area, said: “Community members who joined officers on patrol were able to see how we are continuing to engage with residents, explain the current Health Protection Regulations in place and encourage people to follow the guidance.”