SOUTHINGTON CONNECTICUT— Local police and firefighters are scheduled to get cultural awareness training on Sikhism from U.S. Department of Justice workers Thursday and Friday.
The training follows talks between the Southington Police Department and members of the Sikh temple on West Street about increased security.
It’s the first in a series of meetings between police and town organizations to foster cooperation and to let officers know what resources are available, according to police Capt. Edward S. Pocock III.
The Justice Department trainers are scheduled to instruct Southington emergency workers on cultural awareness in dealing with Arabs, Muslims and Sikhs.
Federal trainers with the Community Relations Service will explain the Sikh culture and how to communicate with Sikhs effectively, according to a police department statement.
Vapinder Singh, vice president of the Sikh temple on West Street, recommended the program to police during talks following the deadly shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Southington police increased patrols around the West Street temple and held talks with Sikh officials about security.
Singh, who has attended the Department of Justice training in Seymour, said it helps local police and firefighters understand Sikhism.
“Not many people know about the dealings or how things are done,” Singh said. “It’s a very good, knowledgeable program for local law enforcement.”
Part of the training explains Sikh customs. Under normal circumstances, visitors to the temple are required to remove their shoes, for instance, although this restriction isn’t necessary during an emergency such as a fire.
“This is just respect for the temple and our holy book,” Singh said.
He plans on attending the training to answer any questions that arise.
The Justice Department’s Community Relations Service “is the federal government's ‘peacemaker’ for community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, and national origin,” according to the department’s website.
Pocock said future meetings are planned to take place between police and group homes in Southington, autism groups and the YMCA. Knowing where housing and support services can be found is helpful for beat cops, Pocock said.
More than 20 officers will attend Thursday’s training and Pocock said most of the department will go through the program. The training is paid for by the Justice Department.
The training will take place Thursday and Friday in the community room of the police department, 69 Lazy Lane, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.