Police learn about Islam

The officers who took part in the course alongside Ghulam Rasul Shazad

Police in Rochdale have taken part in a course to increase awareness and understanding of Islam and the Muslim community.

PCSO Madasir Nasir from Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team devised the course for police officers and PCSOs with the help of Rochdale magistrate Ghulam Rasul Shazad.

It follows on from the success of a similar course last year involving a number of officers from Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The event at Castlemere Community Centre gave the 30 officers the chance to have an insight into the daily life of people from the Muslim community and included topics such as origin of Islam, cultural differences between different Islamic groups and the five pillars of Islam.

Following the course the officers were introduced to figure heads in the Muslim community before being taken for a tour of the town’s Central mosque.

Inspector Dave Lees, for Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “A number of our officers attended this course last year and were really impressed with the information provided. Following on from that success it was decided that we would run a similar one again for more officers in the area.

“Courses like this have multiple benefits for everyone involved. Police officers will gain a better understanding of Islam and the concerns of local Muslims, as well as an insight into the culture and traditions of the Muslim community.

“We respect the diverse nature of the communities we serve and this is just one way of enhancing our links in this area.

“My thanks go out to the staff at Castlemere Community Centre for their assistance in organising the event and helping to make it such a success. I look forward to continuing our links so we can hold similar events in future.”