Met Police Will March In Pride

Fri, 03 July 2009 Courtesy of: Metropolitan Police

Pride is a unique opportunity for the Met to build relationships with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community who might not otherwise come into contact with the police.

Uniformed officers, staff and police cadets from across the MPS will be marching alongside other emergency services and HM Armed Forces.  There will also be a community stall in Trafalgar Square staffed by LGBT Liaison Officers (LGBT LOs) on Saturday 4th July between noon and 6pm.  Officers and staff will provide information on police relations with the LGBT community, crime prevention advice and recruitment information.

LGBT LOs are dedicated to improving the service provided to LGBT people. Working with LGBT focussed organisations, local partners and statutory groups, liaison officers advise and support their MPS colleagues to improve the investigation of homophobic and transphobic hate crime and everyday policing for LGBT people who live, work and visit London.  They are a vital part of delivering the best quality police service for Londoners.

The Met's recruitment team will also be in Leicester Square with officers and staff available to talk to anyone interested in a career as a police officer or one of the thousands of police staff the Met employ.

Commander Steve Allen, Commander HR, said: "This Saturday 4th July will see Pride London take place in our capital.  This event has grown over the years and marks a particularly significant milestone this year in the LGBT calendar. 

"Forty years ago the Gay Rights movement began in America following what became known as the Stonewall Riots.  Here in the UK immense strides have been taken since then to equalise rights for its LGBT citizens and the MPS is no exception in striving to be an employer of choice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff.  I wish everyone participating in Pride a safe and happy one."