First Imam police officer in the West Midlands speaks about knife crime
The first Imam police officer in the West Midlands is working to help influence and reach out to Muslim teenagers.
Pc Emad Choudhury joined West Midlands Police in 2018 as a student officer after five years at the Bahu Trust Mosque in Balsall Heath, where he still delivers Friday prayers.
After graduating to become a Pc, he spent time with the Edgbaston neighbourhood team and a response shift attending emergency calls for help.
Pc Choudhury has now been assigned to Project Guardian, which is a specialist unit tasked with tackling knife crime and youth violence.
He is now using his connections at the Bahu Trust to to educate young people on the impact of knife crime and steer them away from gangs.
He said: "It’s something I’m really passionate about as too many children, including some from my home in Sparkbrook, are being killed and lives ruined through knife crime.
"I know these communities, I live here and I know how it works, so I’m trying to use my access to people here to prevent more lost lives and heartache."
Pc Choudhury describes himself as a devout Muslim but says juggling religious and policing duties has been easier than he imagined.
He said: “I thought it would be harder to be who I am. I pray five times a day, at specific times, and was worried it would be difficult for the force to accommodate.
"In reality, it’s been quite simple and my Inspector understands there are brief moments in the day when I need to pause."
"Police values are the same as my religion. It’s really simple. It boils down to being a good person, having a good heart and caring for people.
"It is busy, it can feel crazy at times, but you have a chance to impact on people’s lives in a positive way and make a difference.
"I’ve helped people at times of crisis, and when you look in the mirror at the end of a shift that’s an amazing feeling."
