For some time the Isle of Man Constabulary has been working towards a more inclusive way of dealing with vulnerable members of the community and our own increasingly diverse workforce. Our focus is on delivering a quality service to all sectors of the community, many of whom may not traditionally receive, or think they deserve a service from the police. People may feel vulnerable for many reasons, including age, disability, race, faith, nationality, gender or sexual orientation.
It was important that the Constabulary be held accountable for any commitment we made to this work and a scrutiny group was formed. This group consists of representatives from the different sectors and has proved invaluable. They have been supportive and as well as having the role of critical friend have been willing to challenge when they feel the Constabulary’s service has fallen short or where learning opportunities have been identified.
The Chief Constable publishes an annual report but this year, for the first time, the Constabulary is publishing a separate inclusion report. This has been prepared by members of the scrutiny group, police officers and partners who have been involved with the inclusion work. The report will be available online at www.iompolice.im with some copies available at Police Stations.
As with the Chief Constable’s annual report, the inclusion report has been placed before Tynwald.
Minister for the Department of Home Affairs, The Hon Juan WATTERSON MHK says “This report underlines the commitment the Island’s constabulary have made to becoming a people focussed organisation, whether it be our own staff, victims of crime, or the public generally, they are at the heart of the community the police serve and protect. This scrutiny group exists to ensure all quarters of our community, some of whom may not have a day to day involvement with the police still feel in touch with what we do and have confidence in the Constabulary.”
Chief Constable Gary Roberts says “This isn't a matter of political correctness. It is a matter of protecting vulnerable people whatever their background and however diverse their needs. Policing is for everyone. I welcome the work of the scrutiny group, which genuinely holds the Constabulary to account and which therefore helps improve the service we give. We have achieved a lot but our ambition is great and there is so much more that we can do."
