Rainbow stickers will
be introduced at police station front desks in North Wales to
encourage gays to report crime, the local police force has
announced.
North Wales Police have
introduced the initiative in an attempt to help gay men and
lesbians feel more confident in reporting hate crimes.
Greg George, head of
diversity development at North Wales Police, said the stickers are
the force's latest pro-gay tactic.
"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," he said.
"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."
PC Manus Sheridan, of
North Wales Police Gay Police Association, believes the concept
will help to ensure all members of the community feel confident in
reporting crime.
"It is essential that
all members of the community feel confident enough to enter our
stations to report any incident, whatever background they are
from," he said.
"This initiative is a
further sign of our commitment to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender) community that NWP are here and can be trusted to
deliver our service without prejudice."
