Faith and community leaders met with police and partners from across Hertfordshire last week to "reaffirm the county's united approach to tackling prejudice".

In line with the constabulary's proactive response to recent religious and racial hate crime – both in the county and elsewhere in the UK – the dedicated meeting was held both in person at selected police stations, and online via Microsoft Teams. 

The meeting was chaired by Chief Supt Di Whiteside, who oversees local policing across Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere, St Albans and Dacorum, and attended by Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner.

Also in attendance was Supt Jamie Fowler – who leads Neighbourhood Policing and Response Teams in the west of the county – as well as faith leaders, community groups and local authorities. 

The police provided updates on the latest reassurance work being done in the wake of the tragic incident in Manchester, before bringing everyone up to speed on the investigation into religiously aggravated criminal damage at mosques in Watford. The meeting finished with a question-and-answer session.

Chief Supt Di Whiteside said: "The open and supportive environment allowed partners to discuss concerns or raise issues with senior leaders in the constabulary, who were there to respond to questions and understand how the community is feeling at a difficult time.

"We, the police, stand together with our partners to condemn prejudice in Hertfordshire; hate crime will never be tolerated and we do – and continue to do – everything we can to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice."

You can report a hate crime or incident directly to police by calling 101, using online web chat or the online reporting form at herts.police.uk. If you do not want to speak directly to police, there are organisations that can offer support: How to report hate crime | Hertfordshire Constabulary