Neighbourhood team take part in fasting challenge

A team of neighbourhood officers took part in a 14-hour fast, as part of a Ramadhan challenge to show solidarity with Muslim colleagues who are partaking in the month of fasting.

Several officers, who took part in the fast, fought thirst, hunger and tiredness, as they continued with their duties throughout the day.

The officers were then invited to the local Wellingborough Mosque for a tour, before opening their fast.

Superintendent Rich Tompkins, Head of Local Policing in the West, said: “I’d like to thank all the members of the mosque and their community leaders for the wonderful welcome they gave us, that included gifts and lots of very nice, home-produced food. It was enlightening to see their mosque, hear about the history and the current work they are doing to support their local community.”

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Nickless, said: “It was a fantastic experience to attend the mosque and to be invited to share the Ramadhan experience with the community of Wellingborough. I know how difficult the fasting experience can be.

“This really is a time of reflection and community and building trust and relationships that are the foundation of policing.”

Sophia Perveen, Chair of the Association of Muslim Police, who organised the challenge, said: “It’s been inspiring to see non-Muslim colleagues take part in the fast, really get into the spirit of it, and start conversations around diversity that might not otherwise happen.

“Quite often, Muslim officers will fast and carry out long stretches of duty or like today, a day of police warrants, and be unfazed by the lack of food or water. It really shows the level of commitment and self-discipline these officers bring to the police force.”

Mr Nazir Naji, trustee of the Islah-Ul-Muslimeen Mosque in Wellingborough, said: “It is very nice to see the integration within the community. I want to thank the officers for taking part in the fasting.

“We are fortunate to have officers who think about the communities, and it was an honour to host them at the mosque. It was especially nice to hear the DCC speak about his views on policing within the community.”

As well as being a place of worship, the Islah Ul Muslimeen Mosque currently offers a wide range of community services, including a welfare project working with the local refuge to offer support for victims of domestic abuse, services for refugees, help the homeless and school visits among many other services.

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