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LEICESTER, ENGLAND, June 5, 2004: Police are to create a multi-faith prayer room at force headquarters for officers, staff and visitors. The force hopes to open the room – suitable for Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs – at its headquarters in Enderby later this year. It is the latest large organization in Leicestershire to provide a space where people of different faiths can pray. Prayer rooms, which are designed and decorated to be neutral, are now common in hospitals, airports and shopping centres. Religious symbols, including crucifixes, prayer mats and shrines, will be kept out of sight and will only be taken out when needed. The plan has been put together by the force and representatives of Leicester Council of Faiths and the Black Police Association. A force spokeswoman said: “The force reflects the diverse community it serves and we want to be responsive to people’s religious needs. “Also, it may aid recruitment. If people are going to apply for a job with us, whatever their faith, they will want to know that it is a good environment in which to work.” Yassin Desai, a researcher for the force and a civilian member of Leicestershire Black Police Association, has been helping to draw up the plan. Mr. Desai, a practising Muslim, said: “The force has been looking to establish a room like this since I joined four years ago. “As far as I know, Leicestershire is one of only a few forces which has taken this step. Others need to follow its lead. “From the recruitment point of view, I think this will help encourage people from a broader range of communities to consider a career with Leicestershire police.” Resham Singh Sandhu, the Sikh chairman of Leicester Council of Faiths, said: “As well as being practical for people of all religions, it is a very symbolic move for Leicestershire police because it shows their commitment to all communities.” Leicester’s Royal Infirmary and General Hospitals have multi-faith prayer rooms. A centre is to open at Glenfield Hospital later this year. The Rev. Mark Burleigh, head of the chaplaincy at Leicester’s three main hospitals, said: “We wanted to provide facilities appropriate for all staff and patients and the rooms are very popular. “We have a very rich diversity in Leicestershire and we wanted to reflect that.” Leicestershire police launched the Dismantling Barriers recruitment campaign earlier this year to attract applicants from all communities. Under five per cent of officers are from black or Asian communities.

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