News Articles
17th July 2008
Dumfries and Galloway Police receive award
for services to LGBT community
(Source: PinkNews.co.uk)
Dumfries and Golloway Constabulary have become the fifth organisation in Scotland
to be given the LGBT Charter Mark award.
The award is given to organisations deemed to have taken action to ensure that their
services are inclusive for LGBT people.
The award was presented by Pamela Clocherty, Charter Development Officer for LGBT
Youth Scotland, to Chief Constable Patrick Shearer, at the first ever Dumfries Pride on
16th August.
Chief Constable Shearer said:
"Being presented with this award gives recognition to the force’s Personnel and Training
Department directly from people who will use our service.
"By working in cooperation with both internal and external organisations such as LGBT
youth Scotland and the Gay Police Association we have developed our Personnel and
Training Policies and Processes.
"We have also worked hard to ensure that barriers, real or perceived, between the
force and LGBT people are broken down.
"This has been reflected in how well we were able to meet the various criteria of the
Charter.
“The Charter will form the foundation for developing future areas of work and will
continue to involve LGBT people in the development of our policies and practices.
"By doing so we are keen to promote essential partnership working, together with along
with the Council, NHS and Fire and Rescue Service, with the local LGBT Youth Scotland
group to ensure that we continue to deliver positively and treat everyone with dignity and
respect.”
Pamela Clocherty said:
“I am delighted to award the LGBT Charter mark to the Personnel and Training Department
of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, the first unit within a Scottish Police Force to achieve
their LGBT Charter mark.
"They have fulfilled the requirements of the LGBT Charter with distinction showing a firm
commitment to LGBT equality and displaying a strong signal to other Police Forces and local
organisations that equality and diversity are of paramount importance.”
Any organisation in Scotland can sign-up to the LGBT Charter of Rights, and work towards the
LGBT Charter Award.
Lothian & Borders Police, East Ayrshire CLD, Amnesty International, Dumfries Youth Enquiry
Service, Careers Scotland, UNISON are amongst those currently working their way towards
their Charter Mark.
