ACT Policing meets with ACT African communities

ACT Policing, the African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC), and the African Australian Council ACT (AACACT) met today to discuss community concerns in relation to a recent incident.

Representatives of Canberra’s diverse African communities and ACT Policing discussed how we can work together to improve relationships between the police and African people in Canberra.

As a result of these discussions, both community members and ACT Policing agreed that improving representation of African people within ACT Policing ranks, and of the broader AFP is a shared goal.

Additionally, it was agreed that we can start slowly by working together to give African communities opportunities to get to know their police better and how to raise issues of concern.

ACT Policing will also work with community to improve its cultural literacy, including through more regularly scheduled meetings, and the identification of training opportunities for police.

Deputy Chief Police Officer Doug Boudry said today was an opportunity to strengthen relationships between police and the African community, and ensure everyone was able to voice their concerns and be heard.

“This was an opportunity to explain to community the circumstances surrounding this incident, while also hearing and understanding their perspectives,” Deputy Chief Police Officer Boudry said.

“In hearing the communities’ concerns, I am confident we will learn and grow together, and it was particularly beneficial for us to learn more about the perspectives of African Australians when dealing with police.”

President of the AACACT Ms Yvette Poudjom Djomani noted that this was the first step in improving the relationships between police and the African community.

“We appreciate ACT Policing reaching out and taking the time to meet with us,” Poudjom Djomani said.

“This is a good first step in improving our mutual understanding and relationships.

“We want police and the broader community to understand the diversity of the Africans in Canberra and the positive contributions we make to society.”

Chair of the AAAC Noel Yandamutso Zhihabamwe emphasised that it was important to get together today, and that this was a productive meeting.

“African people in Australia feel like they are living under a siege of racism,” Yandamutso Zhihabamwe said.

“Having time to discuss our concerns with Doug today demonstrates that ACT Policing are committed to improving their understanding of our concerns and working with us.

“We look forward to the outcome of the review of this incident that is under way.”