This month, Lincolnshire Police is joining its officers, staff and communities in celebrating LGBT+ History Month, as they reflect on ensuring the Lincolnshire is a safe space for all, including LGBT+ communities.

This is an annual celebration that provides education and insight into the issues the LGBT+ community faces. This year's theme is Mind, Body and Soul.

The aim of LGBT+ History Month is to primarily educate the wider community about the history of the gay rights movement and to promote an inclusive modern society.

As part of Lincolnshire Police's commitment to celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion it has have chosen to raise the Pride flag at it's HQ in Nettleham. Chief Superintendent Nikki Mayo, Head of Central Operations, Lincolnshire Police, said: "This month we are joining our officers, staff and communities in celebrating LGBT+ History Month, as we reflect on ensuring the Lincolnshire is a safe space for all, including LGBT+ communities. "A diverse team is an absolutely important part of our police force being effective and it is essential in maintaining public trust with all of our communities.

"We are extremely proud of the contributions that our LGBT+ officers and staff bring to the force and the communities they work so hard to protect."

Lincolnshire Police supports the inclusion of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, regardless of their background or characteristics.

This includes seeking to promote an environment where all people, including trans women, trans men and those with a non-binary gender identity are made to feel welcome and supported.

Lincolnshire Police says this is a fundamental part of it's public sector duty so that it can continue to build trust and confidence in communities and to enable its colleagues to fulfil their potential and provide the best possible service to the public

A statement added: "We do not tolerate hate crime and we continue to encourage anyone who has been the victim of any crime to report it by calling 101."

For more information on hate crime visit Stop Hate UK Stop Hate UK | Whatever they call you, call us