Lancashire Constabulary has a new addition to its fleet, with the introduction of its first liveried ‘Police with Pride’ immediate response car.

The car, which will be fully operational, will be based in the county’s west division at Blackpool and used 24/7 by the immediate response team. The aim of the car is to engage with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community to raise awareness of hate crime and domestic abuse and to encourage more people to report incidents. It will also attend various Pride events around the region throughout the year.

The launch of the new car also coincides with the celebration of 2017 being the 50th anniversary since the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Historically the police have been seen negatively due to their role in enforcing historic legislation which no longer exists.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Rhodes said: “Lancashire has a diverse community and as such it’s important for us to understand the differing needs and support those differing requirements. We are committed to equality and valuing difference and supporting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans people. By having a car that has a bold statement is just one way of demonstrating that commitment to the LGBT community.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: "As Police and Crime Commissioner I am always looking for ways to demonstrate that the police are aware of their local communities and keen to reflect them in everything they do. This car is just one aspect of that and again this year the Constabulary and my office will be supporting Blackpool Pride and encouraging the LGB&T community to work with us to end hate crime."

It's nice to know some members of the community will be protected but should it not include ALL of the Community inclusion should mean EVERYBODY. I have worked all my life paid a fortune in tax and national insurance am up to date with my Council Tax and expect nothing more than be treated the same as everyone else should I need the Police. Will I get a faster response if I state my sexual preference.

That car looks like a piece of sh// rolled in glitter.

Originally Posted by Little Londoner

It's nice to know some members of the community will be protected but should it not include ALL of the Community inclusion should mean EVERYBODY. I have worked all my life paid a fortune in tax and national insurance am up to date with my Council Tax and expect nothing more than be treated the same as everyone else should I need the Police. Will I get a faster response if I state my sexual preference.

If you tell them your bum is getting burgled it will make them... come quicker

Originally Posted by MICK/GILLY

If you tell them your bum is getting burgled it will make them... come quicker

If you saw a Policeman's pink helmet would it make you feel safer?

Originally Posted by Little Londoner

If you saw a Policeman's pink helmet would it make you feel safer?

........and I thought innuendo was a Spanish suppository.

Originally Posted by Little Londoner

It's nice to know some members of the community will be protected but should it not include ALL of the Community inclusion should mean EVERYBODY. I have worked all my life paid a fortune in tax and national insurance am up to date with my Council Tax and expect nothing more than be treated the same as everyone else should I need the Police. Will I get a faster response if I state my sexual preference.

When one reads the infantile replies on here, one can see why the LGBT network may need some high viz support. When it comes to paying taxes the LGBT have paid in the most, per head, as they have always been classed, and taxed, as single, until recently. Its sad for the majority to feel less supported, but no need to worry as the majority will always come off better.

Come off better, tee hee.

Originally Posted by ecosi

When one reads the infantile replies on here, one can see why the LGBT network may need some high viz support. When it comes to paying taxes the LGBT have paid in the most, per head, as they have always been classed, and taxed, as single, until recently. Its sad for the majority to feel less supported, but no need to worry as the majority will always come off better.

There are many sections of society who feel abandoned but the Police don't paint their cars the colour of a lonely pensioners slippers or the cardboard colour of the homeless or the dark black of people with mental disorders. As for infantile it depends how much of a downer you personally have on people who don't share your view on everything as I have said on previous threads I do not give a damn about what two men or two women get up to in their own home so long as they don't expect me to be interested and want to know who is Lesbian or who is Homosexual that like the contents of their bank account or the number of times a week they shower is their business not mine. OK?

They will be busy in Blackpool they will probably reach around 100 people a week.