A beat bobby is going far in his role as West Midlands Police Chinese community liaison officer - by heading to the Far East to further immerse himself in the culture and learn about triad-linked crime.

PC Jonathan Lander has become a familiar face amongst the Chinese community after becoming a focal link between the force and population living in Birmingham.

He is now heading off on a week-long fact finding mission to Hong Kong next month where he will attend a course at the police headquarters to learn more about organised and hidden crimes along with policing tactics. 

The trip - funded by the Chinese business sector in Birmingham - will also allow PC Lander to  visit a range of community and church groups to expand his understanding of culture and tradition. 

It has been organised through Hong Kong Police’s Central Intelligence Bureau and is aimed at overseas officers from across the world - each giving their own presentation on dealing with their own experiences on crime trends. The West Midlands officer is the only UK representative on the course. PC Lander, a beat bobby in Birmingham city centre, said:

"Over the last year the role has allowed me to strengthen our links with Chinese residents, students and businesses in the city.

"Being a point of contact has allowed them to feel more confident and comfortable in coming to us to raise and report concerns.  

"We are keen to further improve these links and this visit to the Far East will prove invaluable in learning about culture, communities and triad gangs. 

"The ultimate aim of this visit is to develop as much knowledge as possible to come back and help ensure the well-being of an established community."

The 2011 census showed around 13,000 members of the Chinese community live in Birmingham. Dennis Yau, of Ying Wah Travel, which is sponsoring the fact finding journey, added:

"I have been part of the Birmingham community for over 30 years and I remember as a student being immensely impressed with a friendly police officer who used to greet us.

"It is important to have a relationship between the Chinese community and police force and I am glad that PC Lander is helping to create a better link. His time in the Far East will help him improve his knowledge of a different culture and improve his inter-cultural dialogue.”