Kent Equality Cohesion Council organised a community meeting on March 21 which took place at the Civic Centre in Gravesend. The meeting was addressed by Deputy Chief Constable of Kent Police Alan Pughsley, the Chief Executive of Kent Police Authority Graham Hooper and local Borough Commander Chief Inspector Philip Painter.
The purpose of the meeting was for local community groups to learn more about how Kent Police were working since their reorganisation in November 2011. Topics that were covered included how Kent Police continued to work with the diverse communities of Kent, stop and search, recruitment, the election of Police Crime Commissioners and the role of the Police and Crime Panels which will replace Kent Police Authority.
In addition there was a presentation made to young volunteers who had been working with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council on a community project focusing on developing a better understanding between the newer migrant communities and public agencies such as Kent Police and Gravesham Borough Council. A special presentation was also made to Lak Khaira from the Kent Youth Service for his help and support for this project.
Gurvinder Sandher the Director of Kent Equality Cohesion Council who organised the event said “The aim of the evening was for local community organisations from Gravesham and Dartford to learn more about the work of Kent Police both at a county and local level. I especially enjoyed the question and answer session at the end during which some searching questions were asked. I would like to commend Kent Police for their proactive approach in getting involved with this event and the feedback I have had from the community groups in attendance has been positive.”