Strictly Orthodox turn out in force for police safety day

Children were locked in handcuffs and sirens blared as they were ushered into squad cars by uniformed police – and all in the name of strengthening ties between the police and London’s strictly Orthodox Jews.

Thousands turned out for a special “community safety day” on Monday, organised by the volunteer security group Shomrim, and attended by senior officers from Scotland Yard.

In a festival atmosphere, police showed off riot gear, radios and bomb-disposal equipment, alongside colleagues London ambulance and fire brigade teams, at the event on Clapton Common.

Crowds watched as officers from the Met Dog Support Unit explained how animals are used to find evidence and apprehend suspects.

Sergeant Dave Lamb, whose beat is Stamford Hill West and Woodberry Down, home to the large Charedi community, co-ordinated the police presence.

In pictures: Shomrim Community Safety Day

He said: “It is the second year we have done this and the Met wants to support Shomrim as we have such a good working relationship.

“It is a great way of building community relations and I was happy to bring my officers down.

“It allows us to get on with our community, encourages people to report crime and helps them get to know us; after all we are the ones serving them out on the street.”

Shomrim volunteer Shulem Stern said the day was a great chance for the Jewish community to “engage with public services” and meet staff from the “more serious units” such as anti-terrorist branches and bomb disposal.

He said: “The police, ambulance department, fire engines, everyone is here. It is great.

“The children get so interested in the serious things like bomb disposal, but they can also visit the cycle safety stall where they can have their bikes marked and learn about road safety and get them up to standard.

“Even the British army is here with a recruitment stand. I don’t know of any Orthodox people in the army in this country, but by having them here you never know.”

Young people also had the chance to talk to police cadets about volunteering and Tim Williams chair of the Jewish Police Association, was on hand to encourage members of the community to consider a career in the force.

He said: “In the past we’ve worked hard to get members of the Orthodox community into the police, recently we have recruited a number of Orthodox special constables, including a girl.

“And we can sort out things like remaining Shomer Shabbat. These are things people might not think are possible, but they are.”

He added: “We currently have 200 Jewish officers in the force but to represent the community we should have about 800.”

He praised the recent comments made by the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis calling on Jews to join the police .

He said: “What the chief rabbi said was really helpful.

“But we can do more. He and the commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe recognise the police service needs to represent the community it serves.”