BIRMINGHAM: Thursday 7th February 2019 saw the formal launch of the National Sikh Police Association UK.
As per Sikh tradition before any new venture/ journey takes place, members of the newly formed association attended Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Graham Street, Birmingham where an Ardas was done followed by a Hukamnama. Sikhs always seek blessings and guidance from Sri Guru Granth Sahib before undertaking any task.
Following the blessing, the launch continued at the Tally Ho Conference Centre in Birmingham. Up to 200 guests attended the event from across the country and included Chief and Assistant Chief Constables, rank and file officers and staff, police affiliated bodies such as the NCA and Police Federation, representatives of the armed forces, charities by association such as the Sikh Museum Initiative, community representatives and politicians.
The N.S.P.A aims to ensure Sikh officers and staff have an official and national voice and will support members to help develop wider relations between the police and Sikh communities across the country.
Sikh employees in the police force are most concentrated in the Metropolitan Police and the West Midlands Police and while local Sikh police associations still exist, the N.S.P.A will operate as a wider support network for officers on a national level.
N.S.P.A endeavours to represent the views and beliefs of Sikh staff to senior officers, as well as providing guidance and education on customs and traits of the Sikh community in the hope of creating more inclusive policies within the police force, as well as assisting the police in better understanding the Sikh communities across Britain.
Vice-President of the N.S.P.A, Sergeant Jag Singh of Leicestershire Police said:
“The association represents an important milestone in giving Sikh officers an official voice and developing wider relations between the police and the Sikh community. It is vital to build bridges between the community and the police at a time when misunderstandings can arise all too easily.
“It is vital to build bridges between the community and the police at a time when misunderstandings can arise all too easily. The NSPA UK will work with other support networks to promote inclusion within the police and support its members.”
Speaking about the inauguration, key speaker Ninder Singh Johal (Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands) stated:
“The launch of the National Sikh Police Association is a fantastic initiative – this confirms that long standing institutions such as the Police are now embracing diversity and inclusion and this will encourage other Sikhs to enjoy the opportunity to serve their country and lead to an all-inclusive society. A society that encourages tolerance and equal opportunity leads to a more sustainable society.”
MP Preet Kaur Gill (Chair of the All Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs) who was also invited to speak at the launch stated:
“The NSPA can provide and present an inclusive agenda, something that other public sector bodies and organisations can learn from, and ask questions about, as they go forward.”
Watch coverage of the inauguration ceremony below and keep up to date with the latest information and initiatives from the N.S.P.A. on Sikh Channel as well as the following social media accounts:
Twitter: @NSPAUK
Facebook: National Sikh Police Association UK
Instagram: nspa_uk
YouTube: NSPA UK
