A West Yorkshire police officer, whose work over the past six months has helped create a more ‘diverse Force’, has been nominated for a prestigious emergency services award.
PC Amjad Ditta is just one of the few shortlisted professionals in the Positive Action category at the Asian Fire Service Association Awards.
The accolade recognises a person within the emergency services who has, over the last 12 months, undertaken innovative practices to attract or develop staff from diverse communities.
West Yorkshire Police created the role of Positive Action Co-ordinator earlier this year in an attempt to help recruit, maintain and promote under-represented groups.
PC Amjad Ditta, who joined West Yorkshire Police in 2005 as a Police Community Support Officer before joining as a police constable, took on the role in April this year.
Since taking up the position he has worked towards promoting the police service as a career option to minority groups and communities.
He said: “I am honoured to have been shortlisted for this award and the work I have been doing across West Yorkshire this year.
“My role as Positive Action Co-ordinator, I am the single point of contact for aspiring police officers and staff members.
“We want our police service to be diverse and representative of the communities it serves. There is some serious talent out there but I know from my 11 years with the police and speaking to many people from different communities that there are myths and preconceived ideas that are holding people back from even considering applying to join the police.
“I would like to wish all who have been nominated the best of luck at the awards ceremony.”
During his work in the role, PC Ditta has been engaging with communities in West Yorkshire and has become a regular fixture on social media channels, including Facebook Live videos, Twitter, Periscope and now has his own Snapchat account.
He will now attend the Asian Fire Service Association Awards on 24th November in London.
