By KLTV Newsdesk –
Today, (Wednesday, 3 November) saw the launch of the West Yorkshire Police Sikh Association (WYSPA) at the Prestige Hall in Bradford with the National Sikh Police Association UK.
The new organisation will be a bridge between the West Yorkshire Police and the Sikh community in the region.
The WYSPA will form close links with other staff associations within West Yorkshire Police such as the Black and Muslim police associations in order to help make the force as diverse and inclusive as possible.
The event saw speeches, awards, and open dialogue between communities.
Speaking at the Prestige Hall, Acting Sergeant Jas Rayat, said: “The West Yorkshire Sikh Police Association will set up a forum for Sikh Police Officers to work with other staff associations such as the Black and Muslim Police Associations to contribute to making West Yorkshire Police as diverse and inclusive as possible.
“The WYSPA will be a recognised conduit between the West Yorkshire Police and the Sikh community”.
Chief Constable John Robins, said: “The WYSPA has been too long coming and I am very proud and privileged to support them.
“I wish the association the very best of luck moving forward”.
Chief Superintendent Daniel Greenwood added: “The network is significant for the Sikh community, their faith and for the West Yorkshire Police force”.
Sergeant Harvinder Singh Rai, President of the National Sikh Police Association UK, said: “The National Sikh Police Association want to build trust both inside the force and externally in our communities both here in West Yorkshire and across the country”.
The event was full of openness and understanding and everyone left the day full of optimism.
Check out some more photos from the event below.