About Deputy Chief Constable Julie Cooke

I am the National Police Chiefs’ lead for LGBT+, a role I have been doing for nearly three years. I am an ally and I wasn’t pushed into the role – it was one that I applied for because I would like to leave some sort of legacy that would say we moved policing to a place where LGBT+ staff (and other under-represented groups) feel confident to be open about who they are in work. I want our communities to see us as an inclusive organisation where all difference is encouraged and embraced.

We have already moved a long way in policing, but we have some way to go. I still hear of comments that make me feel very concerned – ‘well you got that job because you tick 2 boxes’, ‘you don’t look gay – you hide it so well’, ‘you’d look alright if you didn’t dress so manly’. You would never hear such things being said to a black colleague, but it still seems to be ok to say them to someone who is LGBT+.

When two women or two men walk down the street holding hands, they may get looked at, pointed at, stared at, verbally abused or even physically attacked. And if you’re trans – you will be extra vigilant about being able to be you most days. A mixed sex couple would simply be assumed to be straight when either partner may be any sexual orientation. Many LGBT+ people have to consider very carefully in what environments they even choose to hold hands – it’s an active decision – not something they do without even thinking. The impact this can have on someone’s wellbeing is huge and we all have to be allies for each other, regardless of whether we are part of the LGBT+ community or not.

I work very closely with the Police national LGBT+ network. This affords me time to engage and really listen to what it is that, in 2020, affects our LGBT+ colleagues. In the UK we have excellent Police LGBT+ networks. Each force links into a regional network which in turn links into the national network. There are regular meetings and their work is based around the national Government LGBT+ Action Plan as well as issues that are identified within forces. We also work with other external partners to inform our work.

Over the next 3 years as we see the extra 20,000 officers coming into UK policing, we have a big opportunity to attract difference, use positive action and increase our diversity. Working with the College of Policing, the Home Office and others we will do all we can to be more reflective of society.

About Detective Superintendent Sarah Pengelly

I’m Sarah Pengelly from Cheshire Constabulary, and I support DCC Julie Cooke in her role as National Police Chiefs Council lead for the LBGT+ Portfolio.

I’m delighted to be able to be involved, as a gay woman and trans ally I believe it’s really crucial for us to work to ensure everyone involved in policing has the ability to be themselves – at work and away from work. Much progress has been made and of course we still have a long way to go.

In this I help to deliver a number of work streams and actions which are ongoing the support the work of the National LGBT+ Police Network in support of LGBT+ staff across UK policing and in building confidence of our communities.

In my ‘day job‘ I am currently a temporary detective superintendent leading the serious and organised crime and homicide teams in Cheshire.