WARRINGTON-based Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane is calling on the chairman of Cheshire Police and Crime Panel to resign after clashing with him over a senior officer wearing a rainbow lanyard.
Mr Keane has accused panel chairman Bob Fousert of holding outdated and inappropriate views which should not be seen to be the views of the panel.
Mr Fousert, who until his retirement in 2008, was a head of crime scene investigation and forensic services manager for the police, raised an issue at a panel meeting last week over recently appointed deputy chief constable Julie Cooke wearing a rainboy lanyard in her role as an “LGBT+ ally.”
Mr Fousert asked whether the commissioner considered wearing the lanyard – “an overt political statement” – to be appropriate for a senior officer, given that the police should be seen to be impartial in all that they do.
Mr Keane said that Mr Fousert had suggested that by wearing a rainbow lanyard, the deputy chief constable had breached the duty of impartiality under the Police Regulations 2003 and was taking an active part in politics which Cheshire residents would take exception to.
Mr Keane has now written an open letter to Mr Fousert explaining that DCC Cooke is the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for LGBT+ and within this role, she openly expresses her support for the LGBT+ community.
He was also proud that Cheshire Constabulary is Stonewall’s top performing police service for LGBT+ equality and that this is testament to a culture where LGBT+ staff are included, supported and able to flourish. Mr Keane said police and other blue light services in Cheshire served a diverse range of communities and it was vital that they celebrate diversity and equality.
He said he remained committed to supporting the LGBT+ community and looked forward to celebrating celebrating inclusiveness and diversity at this summer’s Pride events in Cheshire.
Mr Keane said he did not believe this represented either a “political issue” or an “issue of impartiality” in the way Cheshire was policed. It clearly represents a culture of openness, inclusivity and equality
In his letter, he wrote: “I’m concerned that you do not recognise this and appear to have misinterpreted these matters.”
He was also surprised Mr Fousert had continued to maintain the stance that “LGBT+, whether you like it or not, is a political issue” both during and following the meeting.
Since the meeting, he claimed to have received widespread comments on the matter, ranging from disappointment and sadness to outrage.
Many correspondents had made it clear that someone holding such views should not chair a public body charged with important statutory responsibilities.
He added: “Therefore, I request that you consider resigning from the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel with immediate effect.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane
