Kent home of first Gypsy Police Association

From the Dover Express

THE first Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association in the country has been set up in Kent.

The Association is a national organisation, but Kent Police is the first force to launch it locally.

It aims to unite and support all officers and other staff who are from Gypsy Roma Traveller backgrounds, as well as foster good relationships between the Police and Gypsy Roma Traveller communities.

Crime commissioner Ann Barnes said: “Both the Chief Constable and I are determined that our police force should look like, speak like, think like and be like the people it serves.

“It shows what a forward-thinking public service we have here in our county to be leading nationally on this. Kent has set the bar, and I hope other forces around the country will follow suit.

“I also hope that, in time, it encourages more men and women from Gypsy Roma Traveller backgrounds to consider the Police service as a career option.”