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Arthur Newbury Helps Forge Better Relationships between Police and the Community
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
The Saviour has always taught us to avoid contention and to bring peace wherever we can. Arthur Newbury is actively doing that in our local community.
Arthur would be the first to admit he is “just an ordinary bloke,” but he makes a huge difference. For many years, he has been involved in a wide range of work in the Northampton community—including the Food Bank, the Community Café and the Federation of Resident Committees. He has appeared regularly in the local press and on the radio, raising awareness about important issues.
Amarjit Atwal is a trustee of Siri Guru Singh Sabha Northampton and Sikh Community Centre and Youth Club. He said, “I have volunteered with Arthur for a number of years. Before COVID, we saw each other every Sunday afternoon volunteering and serving the town centre’s homeless community.
“There have been many other projects we have worked on together. We arranged a Helping Hands event when we started work at our new Gurdwara building. Arthur was keen to help in any way he could with this project, always striving to show how we can work together and be positive role models as communities.
Arthur recently won the Rose of Northamptonshire award for service to the community during the pandemic.
Because of the relationships and goodwill he has formed over the years, the local police approached Arthur to help develop an Independent Advisory Group in Northamptonshire. IAGs were originally formed in response to the killing of the black teenager Steven Lawrence in London. Their aim is to provide guidance, insight and constructive challenge to local constabularies. Very quickly, Arthur became co-chair and finally chair of the group. The group involves people of many faiths, including Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, and Hindu. They work on a range of sensitive and potentially emotive issues like sexual violence, hate crime, drugs, knife crime, burglaries, gang violence, forced marriage, homelessness and keeping people safe in custody.
Through this, Arthur has made many friends in other faith groups and is regularly invited to events as one of the family.
On one occasion, emotions were running high when there was a spate of gold burglaries affecting the local Asian population. In a large gathering of around 400 people and a small group of police, Arthur was able to be a calming influence and encourage people to remember the values of their faith about loving one another.
Nick Adderley, chief constable of the Northamptonshire Police, said, “Members of the Independent Advisory Group provide vital impartial advice, guidance and insights to a range of critical issues and situations for the police. Without the IAG, the police cannot effectively do their job or have the level of understanding required to maintain legitimacy and confidence in the community.
“Arthur is a valuable member of the IAG, and during my time as chief constable of Northamptonshire, I have interacted with Arthur on several occasions. His insight, calm and measured approach epitomises the qualities and values required by any independent body to be as effective and meaningful as they can be.
“Arthur’s warmth, caring, and friendly nature makes him instantly recognisable and the go-to person. On behalf of all at Northamptonshire Police—thank you for your support and for what you do.”
In October 2020, Arthur was presented with an award, recognising his contributions as chair of the Northampton Independent Advisory Group.’
Arthur has now moved on to be involved in the Northampton Stop and Search working group, acting as a scrutiny lead. This role consists of reviewing cases where a Taser is used, and a disciplinary committee is involved. As part of Arthur’s training for this, he was invited to learn how to use a Taser. It is very rare for a nonpolice person to be involved in this type of training.
Gilly Anglin-Jarrett, who is Northants Police Stop and Search Working Group Community cochair, said:
“I first met Arthur at the February 2020 Stop and Search Working Group chaired by Assistant Chief Constable James Andronov. Our group is looking to build better relationships and to support community members to be more unified and empowered. We are a cheerful, impartial critical friend to the police service.
“At that meeting, Arthur’s contribution quickly showed how much he understood the importance of community building and a positive partnership approach with the Northamptonshire police.
“Since then, because of the pandemic, the subsequent meetings were all dial-in. Even when Arthur wasn’t able to attend, he contacted me with the things he wanted to raise on the agenda, which showed a real level of commitment. Recently we were asked to be part of discussions about gang violence in Wellingborough. Arthur was able to let us know about successes he has had in various parts of Northampton through the wide range of community activities he is involved in, building relationships through helping out and doing good.
“Given Arthur has chaired the IAG, he speaks with authority and knowledge. It makes a difference that he is white, as it doesn’t feel like it’s just us Black people trying to address these Stop and Search issues.
“I believe in God, which guides me in my professional life and in the voluntary work I do, and I think Arthur operates in the same way.
“Arthur is doing what our Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples to do—to go out, do good, and improve people’s lives.
“I am so pleased to have Arthur involved in our working group.”
Reflecting on his work in the community, Arthur said, “This work isn’t always easy. You can deal with hostility at times and emotional people. If we don’t work together, it can create massive divides. I see this work in a multi-faith community like being a shepherd. You need to listen, see where you can find practical solutions to problems, and bring people together. We all take different paths in faith, but there is more that unites people of faith than divides us. It’s all about building a better future.”
Well done, Arthur, for your great work!