MEETINGS:

Staffordshire Black Business Network meets on the last Wednesday of every month. You can contact any of the board members (on the home page) to add items to the agenda or bring your issues to the meetings.

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Meeting Minutes: Staffordshire Black Business Network (SBBN) and Staffordshire Police Meeting

Date: 28th August 2024

Attendees:

• Members and Representatives from the Staffordshire Black Business Network (SBBN)

• Staffordshire Police Representative - Chief Inspector David Barrow

• Staffordshire Fire Service Representative - Caroline Firkins

Video Recording of the Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA_zPX4BZbg

 

 

 

Summary of Discussions:

1. Racial Tensions and Historical Context:

   • The discussion began with reflections on the recent racial tensions, emphasising that these are not isolated incidents but are rooted in historical racism.

   • A member shared personal experiences of racial discrimination, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Black individuals and businesses in Staffordshire.

2. Police Interaction and Discrimination:

   • Several members recounted negative experiences with the police, where they felt racially targeted or unfairly treated.

   • One member shared a personal story of being wrongfully arrested due to their race, contrasting their experience with a white individual who was treated more leniently in a similar situation.

   • Another member shared their experiences of feeling unsafe in their home and the length of time it has taken the police to take the situation seriously which has had a detrimental impact of their physical and mental health

   • Other members highlighted how police presence or the lack thereof during racial incidents, such as riots, affected Black-owned businesses, leading to financial losses and emotional distress.

   • One member spoke about how their business had been broken into and it took the police over 3 months to take a statement

3. Community and Business Impact:

   • Many Black business owners expressed concerns about the safety of their businesses during racial unrest, with some reporting that they had to close their shops due to fear of violence.

   • The impact of these incidents on mental health and the additional financial burden of increased security measures were also discussed.

4. Suggestions for Improvement:

   • Attendees suggested that solutions must be government-led and involve the police building better relationships with the Black community.

   • There was a call for more Black representation in the police force to bridge cultural misunderstandings.

   • Members emphasised the need for better communication and transparency from the police, especially during incidents of unrest.

5. Staffordshire Fire Service:

   • A representative from Staffordshire Fire Service noted that some members had spoken favourable about the services they had received from the Fire Service.

   • The fire service highlighted that while the fire service and police service work closely together – Staffordshire Fire Service is not an enforcement authority so expectations and acceptability differ greatly when compared to the police

   • Fire Service is eager to try and make sure their services are accessible to all parts of the community -  they can support businesses with free fire safety protection talks and visits

6. Police Response:

   • A representative from Staffordshire Police acknowledged the issues raised and expressed a commitment to improving community relations.

   • The police outlined some steps they were taking, such as community engagement initiatives and efforts to address racial biases within the force.

   • They also invited community members to participate in ongoing dialogues and contribute to problem-solving efforts.

Agreed Action Items

1. Action Points:

   • Police Accountability: The police agreed to be more transparent and to improve their engagement with Black communities. They committed to holding regular community meetings to discuss ongoing issues and solutions.

   • Representation: There was a strong recommendation for increased Black representation in the police force, either through recruitment or the formation of a community police support group.

   • Business Safety: The police will provide better communication and support to Black-owned businesses, particularly during times of unrest, to ensure their safety and security.

   • Mental Health Support: There was an agreement to explore ways to support the mental health of those affected by racial discrimination, including providing resources and referrals.

   • Follow-Up Meetings: It was decided that these conversations would continue in future SBBN meetings, with a focus on developing actionable strategies for improving race relations in Staffordshire.

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NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, 25th of September 2024.

 

Time: 4pm to 5:30pm.

 

Venue: Room 1, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, ST1 5BE.

 You can also join via Microsoft Teams via this link
Meeting Link: https://shorturl.at/vGM25
Meeting ID: 346 959 324 792
Passcode: tpptc

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It is free to join the Staffordshire Black Business Network. Anyone, regardless of ethnicity, is free to join.

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Staffordshire Black Business Network Registration Form