ACT Policing, the African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC), and the African Australian Council ACT (AACACT) met as we speak to debate neighborhood considerations in relation to a latest incident.
Representatives of Canberra’s various African communities and ACT Policing mentioned how we will work collectively to enhance relationships between the police and African folks in Canberra.
Because of these discussions, each neighborhood members and ACT Policing agreed that bettering illustration of African folks inside ACT Policing ranks, and of the broader AFP is a shared aim.
Moreover, it was agreed that we can begin slowly by working collectively to provide African communities alternatives to get to know their police higher and how one can elevate problems with concern.
ACT Policing may even work with neighborhood to enhance its cultural literacy, together with by means of extra usually scheduled conferences, and the identification of coaching alternatives for police.
Deputy Chief Police Officer Doug Boudry mentioned as we speak was a chance to strengthen relationships between police and the African neighborhood, and guarantee everybody was capable of voice their considerations and be heard.
“This was a chance to elucidate to neighborhood the circumstances surrounding this incident, whereas additionally listening to and understanding their views,” Deputy Chief Police Officer Boudry mentioned.
“In listening to the communities’ considerations, I’m assured we are going to be taught and develop collectively, and it was notably helpful for us to be taught extra in regards to the views of African Australians when coping with police.”
President of the AACACT Ms Yvette Poudjom Djomani famous that this was step one in bettering the relationships between police and the African neighborhood.
“We recognize ACT Policing reaching out and taking the time to satisfy with us,” Poudjom Djomani mentioned.
“This can be a good first step in bettering our mutual understanding and relationships.
“We wish police and the broader neighborhood to know the variety of the Africans in Canberra and the constructive contributions we make to society.”
Chair of the AAAC Noel Yandamutso Zhihabamwe emphasised that it was vital to get collectively as we speak, and that this was a productive assembly.
“African folks in Australia really feel like they’re residing beneath a siege of racism,” Yandamutso Zhihabamwe mentioned.
“Having time to debate our considerations with Doug as we speak demonstrates that ACT Policing are dedicated to bettering their understanding of our considerations and dealing with us.
“We sit up for the result of the overview of this incident that’s beneath means.”
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