Community officers are building crucial links with vulnerable people who fled from the Taliban.

Members of the Force’s Community Engagement Team, local policing teams and local PCSOs have been visiting families who have been housed in the county under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy. 

During these visits, staff are able to explain to resettled families their roles within the force and share information on issues including hate crime, driving legislation and stop and search.

They also inform them where to go if they are ever a victim of crime. 

Northamptonshire are additionally using it as an opportunity to give information on employment opportunities within the force. 

Visits will include female staff members, should that be more comfortable for females who also attend. 

in joined up work, the force has weekly contact with the council resettlement team as well as links with hotel management and security staff. 

On the most recent visit, a group of Afghanistan resettlers met Hate Crime Adviser Nick Stephens as well as Community Engagement Officer, Detective Eleri Neal and Postive Action Support Officer Neil Goosey. 

Nick Stephens told Police Oracle: “Sometimes it’s necessary for officers to speak to the resettlers about behaviour or to let them know about local events they may like to attend.

“The council team themselves have been recognised by the Home Office for their outstanding work and best practice here in Northamptonshire.

“Other councils have contacted them for advice as the team in Northamptonshire provide a Gold standard. We also have good links with the hotel management and security staff. A partnership approach is always best.”

Nick Stephens has also made visits to Ukranian resettlers and police representatives regularly attend fixed meetings for Ukranians at local libraries and community centres. 

He added: “The resettlement team are also planning a careers event which the police will attend as there are possibilities for employment in certain areas of the Force.

"Local Afghan residents who live in Northants have made contact with the resettlers and assisted them with settling in, things like translation for example and being another support network from the beginning. Others were very welcoming and donated clothing and food etc. Seeing familiar faces from the police builds trust and confidence.”