Essex Police attend 20th annual Pride Essex festival to show its support

The LGBTQ+ network at Essex Police have attended a pride event in the county as the festival celebrated its 20th year.

Pride Essex took place on June 22 in Central Park, Chelmsford, and was attended by Essex Police's Chief Constable, BJ Harrington alongside the LGBTQ Network within the force.

The team has backed Pride Essex intensely since its inception, also participating in the annual Pride March through Chelmsford City.

Event - Chief Constable BJ Harrington with members of the Essex Police LGBTQ+ network at Essex Pride (Image: Essex Police)

The network, inaugurated in 1996, works diligently to support the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside the police force, impacting internal policies and advising colleagues on dealing hate crime in the community.

They aim to ensure that, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity, there are equal rights for all officers, staff and volunteers.

Network co-chairs, Sgt Rebecca Shoebridge-Cave and Sgt Matt Hughes, said: "There was lots of positive engagement with attendees.

"We also answered some questions about recruitment and hate crime too.

"It is really important for us as a network to be present at these events, not only for to spend time within the wider-community, but to show that Essex Police is an inclusive organisation that encourages and welcomes diversity.

"It is a great opportunity for us to show that as an organisation we reflect the communities we serve.

"We had a great time speaking with everyone."