Officers from the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team attended a series of community events to mark Black History Month 2023.

The month gave the borough's policing team an opportunity to show their support to the local community.

Chief Inspector Kash Hussain said: “We recognise that there is still a way to go to improving the police’s relationship with the Black community and October provided us with extra opportunities to show our commitment to that.

“We had a great time at these events and I am grateful to everybody who took the time to speak to us and share their views."

Among the events attended was the Campus West celebration in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday, October 12.

Chief Inspector Hussain went along with the team, chatting to locals about the support the police can offer and learning more about what the Black community want to see from their local officers.

The event included Caribbean food from a local business owner and the attendees could also browse Black History Month community artwork. A steel band added to the sense of community spirit.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, October 15, PCSO Anne Devine visited Mill Green Museum for the tourist attraction's Windrush event.

The event celebrated local black history and included live music, exhibitions, talks and story times for children. A particular highlight was getting to see traditional dresses made for the Notting Hill Carnival.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Traditional dresses made for the Notting Hill Carnival on display.Traditional dresses made for the Notting Hill Carnival on display. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Again, PCSO Devine was able to chat with the attendees to offer her support and provide reassurance around the work the constabulary is doing to support the Black community.

Another popular event was a football tournament that students at the University of Hertfordshire invited officers to in Hatfield on Monday, October 23.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team officers at a football tournament organised by students at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield.Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team officers at a football tournament organised by students at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Taking place on College Lane Campus, it saw officers participate in matches with the students and they set up a stall with useful police information, including crime prevention advice.

The officers even bought along some snacks and refreshments for the students – with the pizza going down particularly well!

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The police information stall at the football tournament held at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield.The police information stall at the football tournament held at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Chief Inspector Hussain added: “The football tournament was such a success that we are looking to make it a regular event, providing that opportunity for face to face conversation.

“I would also like to remind our Black and Asian communities in Welwyn Hatfield that you are invited to be a part of the constabulary’s Race and Inclusion Board. It gives you the chance to meet every month with senior officers to raise your views on how the constabulary can better support ethnic minorities.

“We are also now looking to set up a young people’s board, so we can learn from the young Black communities, around where we need to improve and how we can do things better.”

For more information about the Race and Inclusion Board, including how to take part, contact Chief Inspector Paul Mitson on 01707 354069 or Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Inspector Kelly Day on 01707 354528 or email RIB@herts.police.uk.