Latest news with #TimForber
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
York Pride says uniformed police officers ban 'disheartening'
Pride event organisers have said they are "deeply disappointed" that uniformed police officers will no longer be able to Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber said any officer wishing to participate in a parade or protest could do so, but "they must be off duty" and would not be permitted to wear their remarks followed a High Court ruling that the participation of uniformed Northumbria Police officers in a Newcastle Pride event last year was Pride chair Greg Stephenson said allowing uniformed officers to take part had served as a "gesture of solidarity with the LGBT+ community". Mr Forber said the only officers on duty and in uniform at future events would be those "actively engaged in policing the event".He said: "It is absolutely essential that the police act impartially at all times and are seen to do so by all the communities we serve."Participating in protest activity, or parades that support any 'cause' can quite rightly undermine the public's confidence in that impartiality."In response, York Pride said: "The chief constable's framing of Pride as a 'cause' that police must be seen to remain impartial toward risks mischaracterising what Pride is."Pride is, and always has been, both a celebration and a protest - a space where LGBT+ people assert their rights, visibility and dignity." Mr Stephenson said it brought communities together to stand against discrimination, while "recognising the ongoing struggles for equality and justice"."To suggest that uniformed support for these fundamental values undermines impartiality is not only disheartening - it is regressive."He also said organisers were "disappointed" the decision was made without consultation with them or other regional LGBT+ organisations, and that the change had "caused distress to many in our community".He said they had invited North Yorkshire Police to meet with them to discuss how to "move forward constructively".The move comes in contrast to previous occasions, when officers, PCSOs, special constables, staff and volunteers have paraded and patrolled at York Pride and other Pride events across North Yorkshire Police has been approached by the BBC for further comment. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
North Yorkshire Police bans uniformed officers from joining Pride events
Uniformed officers from North Yorkshire Police will no longer be able to take part in Pride events, the force chief has news follows a High Court ruling that the participation of uniformed Northumbria Police officers in a Newcastle Pride event last year was Yorkshire Chief Constable Tim Forber said the only officers on duty and in uniform at future events would be those "actively engaged in policing the event".He said: "It is absolutely essential that the police act impartially at all times and are seen to do so by all the communities we serve. Participating in protest activity, or parades that support any 'cause' can quite rightly undermine the public's confidence in that impartiality." Mr Forber said: "Any North Yorkshire Police officer who wishes to 'participate' in a parade or lawful protest may do so, but they must be off duty and are not permitted to wear their uniform."I do not allow the altering of police uniform or the changing of the livery of police vehicles to show support for any cause."York Pride has been contacted for comment by the move comes in contrast to previous occasions, when officers, PCSOs, special constables, staff and volunteers have paraded and patrolled at York Yorkshire officers have also participated in pride events in Scarborough Pride 2024, the force said it was "important for North Yorkshire Police to be represented" and show support. North Yorkshire Police said in a statement the change had been "very much driven by the change of chief constable in April 2024 when Tim Forber joined us".The force said: "There is also a sense that the public's attitude to policing has shifted over recent years and that the public appreciate and expect policing to focus on its core activities."Asked whether the stance might discourage victims of hate crime to come forward, the force said: "NYP does not tolerate discriminatory behaviour against members of the LGBTQ+ community – and we encourage the reporting of these crimes and incidents from victims."For an event such as York Pride we made provision for our Hate Crime team to be present at our stand at Knavesmire."We hope that by demonstrating our openness and impartiality, it will encourage anyone who is the subject of a hate crime to come forward and report to us."A High Court judge ruled last week that Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine's decision to allow uniformed police officers to take part in a Pride march was "outside the range of reasonable decisions open to her". Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
New fire and police station replaces 'dated' base
A police and fire station in North Yorkshire has officially reopened after a major refurbishment. The two services made a joint investment of nearly £1m to modernise the "out-of-date" facility in Ripon. The upgrade included spaces to interview victims of crime, a place for the public to speak to police officers and a modernised workspace for staff. David Skaith, Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, cut the ribbon at an opening ceremony on Monday. Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, Tim Forber, said the "first class" facilities on Stonebridgegate were part of continued efforts to boost its neighbourhood policing service. "The police station in Ripon closed a number of years ago and we'd had a joint building with our fire service colleagues, but it was out of date and in very poor condition," he said. "It was not a fit place for the public to come, particularly if they were a victim of crime, and absolutely not a place where my officers were properly looked after." Jonathan Dyson, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer, said the project had been more than a year in the making. "We hit one massive snag, which was that we found more extensive asbestos in the building than we anticipated," he said. "It delayed things a little bit but it was right that we did it and it's credit to the teams and our support staff." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service North Yorkshire Police
BBC News
04-03-2025
- BBC News
Ripon fire and police station reopens after £1m refurbishment
A police and fire station in North Yorkshire has officially reopened after a major two services made a joint investment of nearly £1m to modernise the "out-of-date" facility in upgrade included spaces to interview victims of crime, a place for the public to speak to police officers and a modernised workspace for Skaith, Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, cut the ribbon at an opening ceremony on Monday. Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, Tim Forber, said the "first class" facilities on Stonebridgegate were part of continued efforts to boost its neighbourhood policing service."The police station in Ripon closed a number of years ago and we'd had a joint building with our fire service colleagues, but it was out of date and in very poor condition," he said. "It was not a fit place for the public to come, particularly if they were a victim of crime, and absolutely not a place where my officers were properly looked after." Jonathan Dyson, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer, said the project had been more than a year in the making. "We hit one massive snag, which was that we found more extensive asbestos in the building than we anticipated," he said."It delayed things a little bit but it was right that we did it and it's credit to the teams and our support staff." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
