Police chief apologies to LGBTQ+ community amid calls for nationwide forces to follow suit

Chief Constable of Northumbria Police Vanessa Jardine (Image: Northumbria Police)

Chief Constable of Northumbria Police Vanessa Jardine has apologised to the LGBTQ+ community for past discriminatory practices within her force, with the Peter Tatchell Foundation urging all constabularies across the UK to do the same.

Jardine, who leads on LGBTQ+ matters within the National Police Chiefs Council, also emphasised the importance of addressing the harm caused by historical anti-LGBTQ+ laws, in an apology letter to the foundation.

“As the portfolio holder with the National Police Chiefs Council, I will continue to encourage colleagues to review your request for an apology,” Jardine stated in the letter [PDF].

“I am also working on a National LGBTQ+ Strategy which I am hoping will be seen as another positive step towards building a more inclusive future.”

READ MORE OF THIS POST AT Attitude