On Wednesday, 6 July 2022, the Brussels International Center (BIC) hosted a delegation from the English Leicester Police and the St. Philip's Center UK for the launch of the Police Communities Consent (CCC) project in Belgium. The The meeting served as a platform to foster collaboration between the police and black & ethnic minorities (BAME)/faith communities, share best practices and promote engagement in the long-term. Prior to the discussions promoted at the BIC office, the members of the delegation visited the PZA Antwerp (Antwerp Police Department).
On his welcoming remarks, BIC’s President, Marc Otte, introduced the BIC’s main activities and highlighted the importance of fostering cooperation between different stakeholders, at the micro and macro levels, to prevent and combat violent extremism and radicalisation.
Dr.Brahim Laytouss, Head of AVERA (Countering Violent Extremism department) presented a brief Summary of AVERA, its activities, scientific papers, publications, comprehensive methodology (theoretical and field), and how the department relied on the internal anthropological approach. The phenomenon of multiple extremism and its presence in religion, politics, nationalities and cultures was also discussed.
Following his intro remarks, the members of the delegation had a genuine discussion about the main obstacles but also opportunities to strengthen trust and accountability between the Police and local communities. Members also shared their personal stories and detailed their experiences on the ground when dealing with processes of radicalisation in the UK. The phenomenon of extremism and its presence on religion, politics, nationalities and culture was also discussed.
At the end of the discussions, BIC’s President, Marc Otte, received a certificate of gratitude and cooperation from the Leicester Police Station to thank him for receiving the delegation.
Through this meeting, the Brussels International Center sought to further formulate policy recommendations on how to include diversity within the police, and how this can be a tool for empowerment in “real-life” situations.