WA Police and leaders of Perth’s Islamic community got together for a Commissioner’s morning tea last Thursday in Cannington as part of efforts by the State’s law enforcers to build closer relations with Muslims.
South East Metropolitan Police District Superintendent Paul Zanetti said the networking event promoted mutual understanding and social harmony.
“This is one way we are engaging with community groups to increase mutual understanding of issues and provide advice on how to access police and other services,” Supt Zanetti said.
“There are many reasons why people in culturally and linguistically diverse communities may not come to us for help.
“They could be from countries where police are not trusted, or it could be just a lack of knowledge of how to get help.
“That can lead to marginalisation, particularly if people feel they are being racially targeted, and that does nothing to help social harmony.
“It might even influence radical views … this is a way of helping to break down those barriers.”
The casual setting at the Canning Civic Centre allowed police from all levels – including Assistant Commissioner Duane Bell, officers-in-charge and other senior police – to chat socially to Muslim community leaders.
Spokesman for the Cannington-based Daawah Association of WA, Tariq Anzar, said engagement activities were a positive step for relations.
“There is a perception in our community that there is a lack of communication with police,” Mr Anzar said.
“The police are taking steps to rectify. There is a long way to go but we are bridging the gap and working with them.”
Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre spokeswoman Hanan Abu-Laban said this initiative would help allay the fears of police many Muslim migrants had. “For them (refugees and new arrivals from Muslim countries), the uniform means prosecution, loss of lives and it is very scary because of their experience back home,” Ms Abu-Laban said.
“These events can be an ice- breaker to absorb the tension or fear they have.
“They can help to build that trust and most refugees are from countries with conflict.”
Mr Bell said he wanted to hear about the issues and concerns of Muslims “to ensure we serve the whole community well”.
Police Commissioner Karl |O’Callaghan was unable to attend.