Wiltshire Police boss sorry for past LGBT+ prejudices

A chief constable has apologised for her force's past "prejudiced behaviour" of the LGBT+ community.

Catherine Roper, who oversees Wiltshire Police, made the formal apology as part of the Peter Tatchell Foundation's #ApologiseNow campaign.

The campaign, which began in June, aims to build better relationships between the LGBT+ community and police forces.

LGBT+ campaigner Mr Tatchell said the apology "does the Wiltshire police proud".

In a letter Mrs Roper said: "It is clear that in the past, the implementation of the law - and the discretion we are given as police officers in the policing of the law - was in some cases misused and misapplied, whether through processes, systems or behaviour.

"I have no doubt that this means there will have been prejudiced behaviour across the history of policing where we haven't got things right and which will have caused discrimination and hurt to many minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.

"This saddens me deeply and I am truly sorry for the harm caused, both to my internal colleagues, and to our communities."

She added over the coming months the force would focus on cultural change and invited Mr Tatchell to be part of a future consultation with the force.

"We have to do more, but I am determined that discrimination will not feature in the policing of Wiltshire's future," she said.

Wiltshire Police is the 11th UK police force to apologise, including Avon and Somerset Police, West Mercia and Nottinghamshire forces.

Mr Tatchell said Mrs Roper had his "immense gratitude".

He added: "Some people in power find it hard to say sorry for past wrongs.

"Catherine Roper didn't hesitate or evade the need for a clear apology. That marks her out as a commendable police chief. We thank her and her officers.

He added it would go a long way towards making a "more constructive, collaborative relationship between Wiltshire Police and LGBT+ people - further building trust and co-operation".

"It is a laudable continuation of the great work the police have been doing in recent years.

"I hope it will inspire more LGBTs to report hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual assaults, which is what we all want," said Mr Tatchell.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]