Trans Police Group to Seek Funding
January 29, 2010
A national trans police group will be officially recognized in the UK shortly, qualifying it for government funding despite protests by some who feel it’s a waste of tax payers’ money.
The National Trans Police Association has been running for two years but will be recognized by the UK police force in March.
“We are very excited that we are now going to be officially recognised by both the UK police service and the wider transgender community in the UK, said chairwomen Stephenie Robinson.
“It has taken us two years to reach this point, and a lot of hard work and struggle.”
However, the potential funding has been criticized by groups who see this as political correctness gone wild.
“The police force should welcome people of every gender, sexuality, creed and race,” said Matthew Elliott, of campaign group the TaxPayers' Alliance. “However, they should be united in the fight against crime, not divided into competing politically correct campaign groups.
“Even if people think it's productive to form cliques within the police, there is no way we should be diverting money from catching criminals.”
Tory MP Philip Davies also weighed in on the issue. “I don’t care if a police officer is gay, straight, transgender or whatever, I just want them to catch criminals,” he said.
“If they get any funds out of taxpayers’ income that would be completely and utterly unacceptable. Everyone a few years ago said the police were institutionally racist. Now they are institutionally politically correct.”
Currently, the Gay Police Association receives funding from the government and the NTPA hopes it will be next when it applies for government funds in April.
“A police service which reflects our society is vital to increasing the confidence that all communities can have in it,” said A spokeswoman from the Association of Police Chief Officers (ACPO) speaking to PinkNews.co.uk.
“Although ACPO regards its relationship with these staff associations as hugely valuable, ACPO is not responsible for the setting up or the running of staff associations.”
Image Source: www.ntpa.org.uk
