Police and Crime Commissioner supports LGBT+ Police Network

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has supported the Wales LGBT+ Police Network annual general meeting, which this year was held at the University of South Wales's Newport Campus.

The Wales LGBT+ Police Network was established to support LGBT+ people working across Welsh policing.

It aims to create a safe and welcoming space where officers and staff can be their authentic selves at work and access specialist support when they need it.

The annual general meeting brought together members of the network and allies from across policing to discuss the progress being made, share experiences, and look at how forces can continue to improve the support available to LGBT+ officers and staff.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, and her Deputy Eleri Thomas, received a Gold Ally award during the event, recognising their personal contribution and continued support to the LGBTQ+ community.

Commissioner Mudd said: “Policing has traditionally been a challenging profession for LGBT+ people. I want Gwent to be a place where everyone can live their lives as themselves, free from fear or harm, and this includes our police officers.

“I am really pleased to see that things are changing for the better. The Wales LGBT+ Police Network is doing good work across Wales to support its members and ensure that Welsh policing is more inclusive and better reflects the communities that it serves.

“This work is important not only for officers and staff, but for the public too. When policing is inclusive, open and representative of our communities, it helps to build trust and confidence with residents across Gwent.

“We were both honoured and humbled to receive the Gold Ally award and would like to thank everyone at the Wales LGBT+ Police Network, and its members, for this recognition.”