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Launch of Policing with 'Pride Car'
MERSEYSIDE
Police has launched a 'Police with Pride' rainbow patrol car to
increase awareness and reporting of hate crime. The vehicle will be used as any
other operational response car would to attend the full range of incidents
across Merseyside, but unlike traditional white, blue and yellow Police cars,
the vehicle also features the colours of the Rainbow Flag and will display the
Crimestoppers logo and Stop Hate UK website address. The car will also be
used at a variety of community events including LGBT events such as Liverpool
Pride, International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT)
events and Homotopia to represent the force.
The car was officially launched on Thursday,
20 April 2017, at Merseyside Police HQ, at a ceremony attended by Crimestoppers,
Stop Hate UK and the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as a number of
partner agencies and community members.
Assistant Chief Constable Julie Cooke said:-
"While it's out and about on the roads of Merseyside, it is hoped the car will
grab the attention of everyone who sees it. We know hate crime in all its forms
is under reported. We believe any step that shows in a visible way that we
support those members of our communities most likely to be the victims of hate
crime is a positive 1. This car will not just attend hate crime incidents, it
will be seen out and about going to all manner of incidents and we hope that it
will stimulate conversations with the communities we go into. This is not a 1
off gesture; the car is just 1 of the many ways in which Merseyside Police show
our support for victims of hate crime across Merseyside. We hope this will
encourage more victims of hate crime to come forward and report incidents to the
Police, and also further increase engagement with the public."
Anyone with information about hate crime
should contact Merseyside Police on:- 101. Alternatively contact Stop Hate
Crime's 24 hour helpline on:- 0800 138 1625. In an emergency always call:- 999.
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