Written by Cherie Thomas (Trustee)
Since 2018 I have had the pleasure of being a member of FTIL and have over that time attended meetings held with the MET Borough Commander. I must admit I didn’t know what to expect but I have been pleasantly surprised by the depth and length of conversation which has taken place over the years. This is a respectful place regardless how emotional the topic.
If you don’t know anything about them, then let me give you a short explanation.
As members of FTIL we are invited to have a round table discussion with the Borough Commander at the Chair of FTIL’s request, in order to discuss any concerns, issues and share ideas in regards to the policing and safety of the local community of Lambeth. We also like to take this opportunity to show our thanks and gratitude for their hard work and commitment to building better relations with the community.
Now we may not be able to change policing policy, but we can challenge actions taken or not, whichever the case may be and we can work together by exchanging ideas in order for policing in Lambeth to be its most effective within our local community. Through these meetings I have learned of all the extra curricular activities the officers do with our youth and children through sport and in schools. Without attending these meetings I would never have known any of this existed.
I hope the meetings continue, as I feel they are a great way for those who attend to not only represent their faith group but also a cross section of the community. The meeting is always diverse in its reflection and this adds to the rich and informative (sometimes passionate) discussions. We are the voice of the people and we do not take that lightly. As representatives of the local community, we want trust, responsibility and transparency to be on both sides so that we can work together in order to build the safe and happy community. We all want to live and work there.
I think it is fair to say that we leave feeling heard, and a little better understood, so we can be supported better as a community. And yes, there’s always a to-do list on both sides to action before the next meeting (only to be expected).
