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North Bay Police Chief Scott Tod says the pride flag embroidered on officers’ caps isn’t just a symbol.
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Speaking at the first in-person meeting of the North Bay Police Services Board in more than two years, Tod said support for Pride extends well beyond the month dedicated to the movement.
The chef showed off the special hats on Tuesday morning, talking about the need for inclusion.
Officers can wear the hat year-round, he said.
“This is to show our support for our Pride community in North Bay and recognize discrimination and honor inclusion and equity.
“Our police service represents what the community is, and we need to do that more often. examining the discrimination that has occurred in the past and human rights and the right to have those rights enshrined. The hat is just a small sign of that.
The chief said the police department’s commitment to inclusion extends to its recruiting efforts.
“We encourage it; we promote this through our recruiting efforts. It’s about looking for people who represent the community we’re monitoring. Whether it’s people of color, aboriginal people, black people, people who speak different languages, who have different backgrounds or different sexual orientations, all of these things that we see as a positive attraction in recruiting” , explains Tod.
The police chief also says there is a Pride patch with a Velcro attachment that they can wear on vests or outerwear.
Jason McLennan, Director of Communications for North Bay Pride, said Tod and North Bay Police “have worked with North Bay Pride to improve their relationship with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. They want all communities to know that they are changing and working towards inclusion for all.
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“This is a step to show communities that they hear the call for change in policing, how they approach things and they want the community to know they can ask for help.
“Chief Todd is committed to keeping the community safe regardless of your sexual orientation and he wants us to know that they are making progress over time. Unlike Toronto, we have a greater opportunity to work with the police, improve relationships and learn from each other for the benefit of all.
“They are walking the pace. Last year, they were the first police service in North America to understand and support the U=U campaign for people living with HIV. We can all do better and we are doing better than before. And that says a lot.“
