York Regional Police has shined up the rainbow decals and its Pride cruiser will now be out in full force every day of the year.
The colourful cruiser was first unveiled Oct. 23 at York Region District School Board’s Speak Out conference, a celebration of all identities in support of its LGBTQ2 community.
While York police had decked out one of its vehicles for use at Pride events and during June Pride month in years past, the Pride cruiser is now a permanent part of its fleet and is fully equipped for policing.
“We have an officer assigned to the cruiser from our diversity unit for the LGBTQ2 community, but it can be used by any officer if they’re going to something like a school event and want to bring it,” Const. Laura Nicolle said.
Aside from some random statements made about the cruiser on social media, there has been no criticism about the decision to make it a permanent fixture, Nicolle said.
“In terms of supporting our community, our stance is that we have to be representative of our communities, to connect with everybody, so people feel safe to come forward to report incidents to us, and to report if they’ve been a witness to a crime,” said Nicolle. “And we constantly have to make steps to build positive relationships.”
Pflag Canada, York Region president Michael Blackburn applauded the York Regional Police move to make its Pride cruiser part of its regular fleet.
“This new addition will help bring visibility to the region’s vibrant LGBTQ2 community 365 days a year, creating important conversations that provide ongoing support of diversity and inclusion,” Blackburn said.
“As a leader in equity, inclusion and diversity in police services across Canada, York Regional Police understand that there is always work to be done to improve equality across the region.”
