If you are interested in joining the Independent Advisory Group contact Suzanne Sweeney – Minorities Support Unit on 029 2052 8021.
The aims of the Independent Advisory Group(s) are - to work as partners with the police service to:
- Increase trust and confidence in policing amongst our minority communities
- Provide constructive advice to the organisation on ways to improve the quality of service delivery to our minority communities
Objectives:
- To critically appraise organisational policies, practices and procedures
- To make significant contributions to both strategic and tactical considerations, particularly with reference to critical incidents
- To make observations both within the police service and the role it plays in the wider community
- To instil just and fair relations between the police and the communities they serve, as well as between communities.
Structure
The group meets quarterly as 4 sub-groups – Disability, Gender (including Trans), Race and Sexual Orientation. Furthermore a quarterly Forcewide IAG is also convened with three members of each of the sub-groups who are joined by the Chairs of the local Community Cohesion Groups (who have a reserved place).
Independent Involvement with Critical Incidents, Major Incidents, Major Investigations or Gold Groups
Involving the community in the management of a critical incident can help to reduce the impact of any problems and provide a bridge between the police, and the victim and the wider community.
Independent advisors are able to engage in a range of policing activities, either on a case-specific basis or as a member of a recognised IAG. The use of IAG’s especially in Gold Groups, is becoming widely recognised by the Police Service as a successful means of accessing the local community.
The principle of independent involvement in policing is fundamental in:
i) Developing sensitive and effective policing
ii) Challenging assumptions and mindsets
iii) Demonstrating openness and accountability
iv) Providing an independent, community or non-police perspective
v) Building family or community confidence and trust