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National LGBT+ Police Network
The National LGBT+ Police Network represents the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans staff associations across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, both within the police service and in partner agencies such as the National Crime Agency, Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Ministry of Defence. Our aim is to support the officers and staff throughout their careers by creating working environments where they can thrive and feel able to be their true selves at work.
Support we provide
The Network takes a lead on all issues relevant to the LGBT+ community within the police service, promoting inclusiveness and equal opportunities for all. The support we offer both serving officers and potential recruits includes:
- Helping to establish local and regional LGBT+ support networks for all our officers and staff
- National representation for local and regional networks on shared issues
- Initiatives and guidance to make sure police forces are both representative and inclusive of the LGBT+ community
If you’re thinking of joining the police, we can put you in contact with your preferred force’s local LGBT+ support network.
Questions you might have
It’s natural to have questions when thinking about becoming a police officer. The LGBT+ Police Network is here to ensure that your sexual orientation and gender identity will always be respected within your role. Take a look through our FAQs below.
What happens if I experience homophobic/transphobic/biphobic behaviour or other prejudices at work?
The police service is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all its officers and does not accept any form of discrimination. There are robust disciplinary processes and support mechanisms in place to ensure all officers are protected, including wellbeing support and independent investigation of complaints.
Will declaring that I’m from the LGBT+ community impact my application in any way?
Absolutely not. The police service actively welcomes people from all backgrounds, cultures and communities because it’s vital we represent the people we serve.
I’m not sure my personality fits with being a police officer. Will I fit in?
The police service is made up of all sorts of different personalities, that’s what makes it so special. And we need that to be able to connect with the different communities we work with. There’s a role for everyone who’s passionate about making a difference.
You can be yourself within policing.
Hear from PC Skye Morden from West Midlands Police sharing her experiences of being in the police service, the support she’s received from the LGBT Police Network and why Skye thinks being a police officer is the best job in the world.
View the full video transcript
PC Skye Morden
I’ve always wanted to join the police ever since I can remember. I’ve always wanted to do my best to make a difference to somebody. Having a job where you can make a difference, where you are able to offer help, where you are actually able to save life was really important and I’m still as passionate now as I was 21 years ago.
Hi, I’m Skye, I’m PC Skye Morden I’m a police officer for the West Midlands Police and I’m currently a tactical trainer and Taser lead instructor.
The most important part of being a police officer, it’s having empathy even when the world seems to be against you. It’s having that compassion.
I’m trans, I’ve always known I’m trans, ever since I can remember. Growing up, I just pretended to be someone I wasn’t, and I hid myself away. Every time you see yourself in a mirror, every time you walk past a shop window you have this this feeling of hate, this feeling of anger, of that just is not me. And as time progressed, it got to the point where I’d done some research I started to look into what gender identity was and that the science was there that actually, I’m not mad. There is something here, I am trans. So, I came out.
Helen, Skye’s friend
When Skye decided to come out in the police force I did have some preconceived ideas about how that would be for her. I had a feeling it would be a challenge. I knew that she’d been in the force a long time and that she had a lot of friends there but I was concerned that there would be a lot of people who maybe wouldn’t understand, who would have their own views. And I was concerned how she would be supported and protected within that.
Skye
The job has hugely surprised me. My colleagues have been wonderful in the West Midlands. I have had so much support and I’ve had nothing but love. The rest of my experiences with that have not been quite so good. Since I came out as trans sometimes I do feel like I’m swimming through a sea of hate.
Brigg Ford, Communications Manager, West Midlands Police
There’s been a lot of hate messages out there, but you can ignore those because the really important messages are those emails from parents of children who are struggling with their own gender identity and those parents who have reached out to Skye to say what you’ve done has been amazing and it’s really opened my child’s eyes and they now want to follow in your footsteps and that’s all thanks to Skye’s work.
Skye
When I came out and received the absolute avalanche of hate and abuse I reached out to the West Midlands Police LGBT network and I found a family. They have given me strength. They’ve given me courage and friendship they’ve offered me support when I felt low and it’s something that I really cherish.
It’s important that I show my colleagues that trans people, we’re just simply human. And I need to be visible so that the trans community can see that the police are the trans community, that we are the public and the public are the police and actually, as Robert Peel wanted, they have a representation. They have somebody that is doing their best to try to make that cultural change.
There is no job like the police. It’s without doubt the best job in the world. But it’s also hard. There are some days that you think the world is against you but you sit back and think that day I saved a life. That day I did something that was frightening, unbelievable, scary.
But you know what? It made a difference to somebody vulnerable, somebody who needed somebody there for them.
I made a difference that day.
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