There is much to be gained all round from the visit to Bradford of four police officers from Mirpur. Working with Toller Lane police, they hope to be able to gain experience of high-technology policing and also to learn how domestic violence is dealt with in Britain.

As far as the West Yorkshire police are concerned, the visiting officers bring with them a reminder of the merits of basic grass-roots policing methods, more dependent on developing links with the community than on the use of the latest technology and fast cars.

But the biggest benefit, perhaps, will come from the fact that the party includes two female police officers who will be given quite a high profile during the visit. That could help to overcome the reluctance of Asian women in Bradford to join the police force.

There is a depressing shortage of role models for others to follow, yet at the same time there is a pressing need for Asian women police officers. Many female members of the Asian community, particularly the older ones, prefer to talk to another woman. And if she is from their own cultural background, then so much the better.

So it is vital that more Asian women can be recruited who are prepared to make the force their career and show other women what possibilities are available. At present, despite positive efforts, the force does not represent the cultural and sexual mix of the local community. It is up to the members of the community themselves to come forward and help to put that right.

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