POLICING WITH A DIFFERENCE


BUILDING BRIDGES


With the police service expanding to pre- 2010 levels and with an exponentially growing population, it makes sense forces are focusing more on diversity and inclusion to reflect the communities they serve and build stronger relations. However, for PC Dharmesh Mistry a


drive to represent Hindu colleagues and communities started long before any plans to recruit even reached the drawing board at Number 10. Several years ago, Dharmesh, who has


served for 16 years in Bradford, noticed that relationships between police and the Hindu community in West Yorkshire were very weak.


Although, severe arthritis and mental health issues sadly soon forced Dharmesh away from the frontline duties he most enjoyed, he has since channelled his passion into building bridges and turning around negative perceptions through arranging events which bring officers and


the Hindu community together. Over the years, during some of the most significant Hindu events including Diwali and Navaratri, Dharmesh has arranged for the chief officer team and colleagues to attend. During the height of the pandemic,


many officers were left feeling let down and forgotten, especially those on nightshifts. Some were unable to purchase meals and skipped eating. Discussing the issue with his colleagues, Dharmesh urgently pulled the Hindu community together through the Bradford Hindu Council and its members to help boost their morale at such a difficult time. More than 1,800 homemade hot meals


were delivered to the frontline officers in the Bradford and Leeds district, Indian families, some with children, volunteered to cook to show their appreciation to police officers and staff. This amazing effort went on to supporting local paramedics and care workers. “What has happened over the last


few years is being able to bring the Hindu community to the forefront, this has been an amazing achievement for me and now the Hindu community has a voice, a place, and is better recognised and understood by the Force,” explained Dharmesh. “The festivities are great because the


Award-winner PC Dharmesh Mistry.


officers are able to take part in celebrating and gives them the opportunity to sit and talk about their role to people within the community, including children, breaking down any pre-conceived barriers. It takes that taboo and turns it into a positive, and one can see how much difference it makes with smiles all round.” Dharmesh assesses the work of


students under the new Police Educational


PC Dharmesh Mistry and colleagues.


West Yorkshire PC Dharmesh Mistry speaks to POLICE mag about the journey towards bringing Hindu communities and the police closer together, and his future aspirations to create a National Hindu Police Association.


Qualification Framework (PEQF) and also helps with recruitment in his own time. He hopes this will inspire future generations to consider a policing career but this is one of the bigger challenges the service currently faces. “I was overwhelmed and honoured


to have been accepted to join the police. But my parents and especially my mother wasn’t convinced it was the right move,” he said. “Policing has always been a taboo area – not just because it is predominately white but the associated stigma and attitudes have been passed down through generations and what is classed as a ‘good job’ is being a doctor or a solicitor. “In my mind, I’ve always thought that


to get through to the new generation, I must educate the elders and even those of my age to change their mindset and behaviour. My aim is to show the Hindu and other minority communities there is a rewarding career prospect within policing.” Ethnic Minority (EM) officers make


up around six per cent of West Yorkshire Police, out of which there are only about 25 officers of Indian origin, including Dharmesh who was born in Kampala, Uganda and migrated to the UK in the early ‘70s with his parents.


“It is difficult, and I am still finding it a challenge now because I’m from a small community. The smaller the community, the harder it is to raise your voice to be heard,” added Dharmesh. His latest project has been setting up


the West Yorkshire Hindu Police Association which will be launched next year and he hopes this will pave the way for a National Hindu Police Association in the future to continue to bolster the positive work.


41 I POLICE I DECEMBER 2021


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