By Graham Huband

TAYSIDE POLICE yesterday expressed disappointment at suggestions for a wall of silence between Dundee’s Muslim community and special branch officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Wilson said she was concerned with the suggestion made at a meeting in the city on Monday night that Muslims should not co- operate with the Tayside Special Branch Community Contact Unit.

She said, “I am disappointed and surprised with the comments made at last night’s meeting.

“Disappointed because I do not believe they reflect opinion of the local Islamic community and because calls not to speak to the police do nothing to assist our aims of listening to all of Tayside’s citizens.

“I am surprised at these statements because I spoke with members of the (meeting) panel earlier in the day.

“We invited Osama Saeed to meet with after he expressed concerns about the work of the community contact unit.

“He attended as part of a three-strong delegation of those who spoke at last night’s meeting.

“I listened to their concerns and had an open two-way discussion about the work of the unit.

“Sensitive to their concerns, we agreed to make minor adjustments to the operational work of the two- officer unit.

“We agreed to meet again in three months’ time to review the situation.

“In addition, contact details were exchanged so that if any issues arose in the meantime they could contact me directly and vice-versa.

“A member of the delegation was also invited to attend the sub-group of the lay advisory group, which meets tonight, to ensure that the voices of younger adults were being heard.

“It was surprising then to learn from media coverage of the event that people were being urged not to talk to the police.

“Surely it would be double standards to urge others not to speak to us whilst communicating with us themselves?

“Such statements are unhelpful and divisive and do nothing to assist our efforts in working with all members of the Tayside community. Furthermore, I do not consider them to be representative of the wider Islamic community in Tayside.

“The work of our community contact officers with all minority faiths and people of all ages is designed to give us a better understanding of community concerns and where tensions may exist.

“Tayside Police has a duty to communicate with all sections of the community and to consider everyone’s opinions.

“We have a moral obligation to try to ensure that our communities are safe and I make no apologies for our efforts in doing that.

“We police by consent and as such rely on the support and assistance of the public in upholding the safety of all the community.

“We have contact with all sections of the community and the Special Branch Community Contact Unit fills a gap to ensure that the views and concerns of minority ethnic groups are listened to.

“Their work is inclusive, not exclusive.

“We are meeting with other groups during the course of this week to listen to their views on what has been said in recent days and to discuss the issue in greater detail.

“There will be a stakeholder meeting in the near future to further highlight the role of the Special Branch community contact unit to partner agencies, key groups and organisations and local politicians.”

She appealed for residents’ “support in keeping the lines of communication between the police and all of Tayside communities open.”

The community contact officers can be called on 01382 596338.