Brody's Notes... Police Stations In North Wales Will Display Rainbow Flag Stickers

Staff Reports

Pictured are PC Manus Sheridan and Greg George
Photo via North Wales Police Force

GLAN-Y-DON, NORTH WALES -- In an announcement made Friday, Greg George, the Head of Diversity Development for the North Wales Police Constabulary Force said that the NWPD will be reinforcing its commitment to LGBTQ equality and diversity by displaying rainbow flag stickers at police front counters across the force area. The rainbow flag is a well known symbol which is recognised worldwide by LGBTQ people as a symbol of acceptance. George said:

“The force is committed to tackling all crimes including homophobic hate crime and the stickers, which will be placed in all front counter areas, are a further symbol of our pledge. We know that homophobic hate crime is still under reported.

He added: “All police officers within the force are trained to deal with all types of crime however we also have designated Diversity Officers to support investigation and victims of such offences. The force also runs a self reporting initiative where victims can contact the police without giving their name and details.”

North Wales police are to display rainbow flag stickers in stations to encourage LGBTQ people to report homophobic crime

“North Wales Police deliver a service to diverse communities and it is important that everyone feels safe and comfortable when visiting any of our police stations,” said PC Manus Sheridan of the NWP Gay Police Association. “Some individuals, for a number of reasons, may feel apprehensive of approaching the police to report incidents. It is essential that all members of the community feel confident enough to enter our stations to report any incident, from whatever background they are from.”

He added: “This initiative is a further sign of our commitment to the LGBT community that NWP are here and can be trusted to deliver our service without prejudice.”

In 2009, Grampian Police, one of the UK's largest police forces, said it would display the rainbow flag in all of its offices to support gay rights. PC Derek Allison, Aberdeenshire division diversity officer, had said then: 

“It is a great way of advertising the Grampian Police commitment and understanding of equality and diversity.”