Force uses marked car for '˜engagement'

Chief Inspector Julie Fry MBE is chairman of Hampshire police’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans resource group.

Writing in The News’ letter pages recently she said: ‘This vehicle, which was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, is primarily used by police officers and staff as a community engagement tool, attending a myriad of events to raise awareness of how to report homophobic and transphobic hate crimes and incidents in addition to other issues affecting LGB&T communities, such as same-sex domestic abuse.

‘The vehicle is just one way to address under-reporting of these crimes by using innovative and interactive ways to encourage conversations and coincidence with more people who suffer in silence from these issues.

She added: ‘As with any other resource the vehicle is deployed for routine duties when it is not required for this purpose.

‘You can find out more about how to report hate crime to us on the Hampshire Constabulary website.’