City of London police chief says sorry to gay staff for historical persecution

The head of City of London Police has apologised to officers, staff and people from LGBT and marginalised communities for historical persecution.

Temporary Commissioner Pete O’Doherty said some were treated unfairly by the force as he pledged drastic change to achieve equity, diversity and inclusion.

Last year, gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell called for every chief constable to say sorry for decades-long “homophobia” to boost confidence and encourage more people to report hate crime , domestic violence and sexual assault.

He said officers would raid bars, clubs and even private birthday parties, insulting attendees as “poofs” and “queers”, at the time when homosexuality was criminalised.

Police harassed those leaving gay venues and arrested same-sex couples for kissing, cuddling and holding hands “right up until the 1990s”.

Mr O’Doherty set out plans for his force to become one of the UK’s most inclusive and trusted police services at an event held in the Square Mile on Tuesday.

He said: “I am truly sorry to all of those who may in the past have been let down through service failings that have negatively impacted public confidence and feelings of belonging for some of our people.

“As a number one priority at the City of London Police, we are committed to delivering a service that achieves the very highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compassion.

“That means confronting any behaviours that compromise the confidence and trust of both our public and our staff.”

Tijs Broeke, chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, added: “The message we are sending to the public, and to police officers and staff, is clear - every single person has the right to feel and be safe no matter their identity.”

By 2027, City of London Police aims to demonstrate increased levels of trust and confidence.

There will be more focus on staff wellbeing and the force is to invest in the retention and progression of staff from a diversity backgrounds to improve low levels of representation in senior roles.

City of London Police employ the fifth largest percentage of ethnic minority police officers and the third highest of black, Asian and mixed race staff nationally.

But its 24 per cent of women officers is one of the lowest in Britain, although nearly two-thirds of the force’s police staff are female.

Last June, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for past failings towards the LGBT community in what Mr Tatchell hailed as a historic first.

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