Friday, July 18, 2014

Greater Manchester Police, Hate Crime Car, GMP is on the side of equality, Is Leicestershire?

Greater Manchester Police, Hate Crime Car, GMP is on the side of equality, Is Leicestershire?
When I am reminded of Cllr Charles Haworth and Co, I know my answer.



more photographs at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gmpolice1/sets/72157645325947247/

New police car to increase hate crime reporting

The vehicle was commissioned by GMP’s Pride Network to address the under-reporting of hate crime in the LGBT community, and its eye-catching design is based on the iconic Rainbow flag which symbolises Gay Pride.

The car will be highly visible during Manchester’s Pride parade in August, and will also be used in other areas where LGBT support is minimal compared to the city centre. However it will not be used to attend hate crime incidents. 

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said: “One of the strengths of Greater Manchester is its diversity and the fact so many people have come here from different parts of the world and we have so many different lifestyles and backgrounds.

This can create tensions when people are living so close to one another and there are different traditions and belief systems.

“On the other hand, it can never be right for this to be turned into harassment or violence, and for people to be targeted because of their race, religion, sexuality or any other personal characteristic. This car shows our commitment to taking hate crime seriously and encouraging victims to come forward.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd added: “I am very proud that Greater Manchester Police takes such a visible role at Manchester Pride. It sends an important message to Greater Manchester and the world that the service is committed to equality and supports the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

“We have come so far on the road to equality in this country, but it is still the case that people face intolerance, bigotry and hatred simply because of who they are. Decking a police car out in rainbow colours isn't just a colourful statement – it's a bold one. It shows that GMP is on the side of equality. I also hope it will give confidence to any victim of hate crime to come forward and report it."

To report hate crime, call police on 101 or report online at report-it.org.uk

You can also visit one of the third party reporting centres listed at gmp.police.uk/hatecrime