Hertfordshire police have held a "brilliant" meet up for the black community at a St Albans barbershop.

Officers held the 'Respect the Roots' day on Saturday (July 29) at Lattimore Road's Extreme Kutz.

The aim of the event was to give the community an opportunity to speak to local police officers in a relaxed environment.

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Sgt Andrew ‘Tommo’ Thomas said: "It was absolutely brilliant!

Herts Advertiser: Members of the local community were invited to sit in a police car.Members of the local community were invited to sit in a police car. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

"We weren’t sure what kind of response we’d get but we had lots of the black community come down and talk to us. It was really useful and a lot of fun.

“People brought their children to sit in the police car, try on the uniform and we had some important conversations.

                                                                                            

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"People were able to speak to us about policing in general, ask us questions, tell us their experiences and tell us how we can better support them.

Herts Advertiser: “We’re truly grateful to him for hosting this event.”“We’re truly grateful to him for hosting this event.” (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

"Lots of people signed up to come on a ride along, to see what we really do.

"I’m mixed race, I’ve had racism directed to me and I feel it’s important that people see that police officers are human beings just like them."

Speaking of the owner of Extreme Kutz, Wayne, Sgt Thomas continued: "We’re truly grateful to him for hosting this event.”

Herts Advertiser: “It’s very important to give people a chance to meet officers and speak to them and share their views and how they feel.”“It’s very important to give people a chance to meet officers and speak to them and share their views and how they feel.” (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Wayne himself spoke of the importance of these types of events, and his satisfaction of how the event went on the day.

He commented: "It was fantastic, even better than I expected.

"It’s very important to give people a chance to meet officers and speak to them and share their views and how they feel.”

Herts Advertiser: It was really useful and a lot of fun.It was really useful and a lot of fun. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Hertfordshire Constabulary is currently running a Positive Action scheme, in order to build relationships with under-represented groups.

Further information about the scheme can be found online at: www.hertspoliceofficer.co.uk/diversity

Residents aged 16 and over can also apply to be taken on a ride in a police car. 

Simply email ridealong@herts.police.uk to ask for an application form.