Leading police officers today highlighted their commitment to help people in the LGBTQ+ community as preparations continued for Pride events this weekend.

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons added that everyone should be treated with “dignity and respect”.

He said: “This is an important week for our LGBTQ+ community members with several upcoming events planned for Bermuda Pride 2022.

“We have been working alongside OutBermuda to plan safe public events.

“Sadly, sometimes there is still a narrative of disrespectful, and sometimes hateful, comments that cause feelings of fear and isolation.

“This is not right. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect; even if we differ.”

Mr Simons added: “The Bermuda Police Service is committed to serving, respecting, and protecting each of our community members and I take this opportunity to reaffirm that their police service will be there when they have need.”

Acting Superintendent Jerome Laws said that the LGBTQ+ community on the island was growing.

He added that the police service must make sure that staff “understand and practise the BPS Code of Ethics and Core Values in the areas of Diversity, Equality and Fairness”.

Mr Laws explained: “In the BPS Strategic and Operational Plan 2021 – 2026, under ‘Work in Partnership’, a key deliverable is to ‘develop our links with faith-based communities and other hard to reach groups (eg LGBTQ+)’.

"I am leading on this item, supported by a team of officers and the Occupational Health Unit.

"The BPS will create a safe space supportive of a professional environment for all LGBTQ+ staff within the BPS.

"We welcome colleagues from all backgrounds to support and to actively aspire to represent all of our communities through intersectionality.“

He added: “The BPS attends meetings with various stakeholders in the LGBTQ+ community to discuss work processes, support requirements and scrutiny.

"We are in the process of facilitating an LGBTQ+ community input on training days.“

Events as part of Bermuda Pride 2022 – themed around Love and Live – will run from August 26 to 28, including a parade and block party on Saturday in Hamilton.