Inclusion of hard to reach individuals and groups was among the key themes discussed at a meeting between Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd and the Bishop of Hertford, Paul Bayes yesterday (May 21). 
 
The meeting explored how the police and faith groups can work more closely together to reach communities, especially those who feel excluded from society. 
 
Ensuring wide-ranging involvement in making Hertfordshire an ever safer county is the overarching theme of Commissioner Lloyd’s recently-launched Police and Crime Plan, ‘Everybody’s Business’.   
 
Commissioner Lloyd explained: “I had a very useful discussion with Bishop Paul about a range of issues, particularly mindful of the excellent links that the church has with our communities.  I believe there is tremendous scope for us to work even more closely with him, his colleagues and other faith groups in the future by, for example, building closer links between them and the police safer neighbourhood teams across the county.
 
“An important strand of ‘Everybody’s Business’ assesses how we can draw on the skills, energy and commitment of the public to make things better.  I believe faith groups can particularly support this area of the Plan, given the great contacts they have within communities and their strong history of volunteering. 
 
“I look forward to further valuable dialogue with Bishop Paul and his colleagues in the future.”
 
Bishop of Hertford, Paul Bayes, added: “I was delighted to meet Commissioner Lloyd and to find so much common ground. Local churches and faith communities aim to help all people to flourish and to fulfil their God-given potential. What matters to all of us is to establish safe, inclusive communities where diversity and conscience are respected. It’s good to work in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary and with our Police & Crime Commissioner as we walk along this road together.”