Police and city’s LGBTQ community continue to build bridges
Ongoing communication remains key to positive relationship, Murray Billett says.
We have come full circle with respect to uniformed police involvement in our Edmonton Pride Parade. Our fabulous LGBTQ community has been building bridges and working with the Edmonton Police Service for more than two decades.
The early years were very difficult. We challenged their authority and practices, while we fought for equality with our provincial and federal governments. Today, the politicians want to be in our parade, which is a privilege, not a right. Those of us involved know about that reality.
I vividly recall how thrilled we were in Oliver in the mid1990s when one very brave, very straight and determined Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officer marched in uniform for our Pride parade. Our activism and our place in society has been accomplished by the hard work and dedication of our allies, our families and our diverse communities. Early on, we worked together to include uniformed police in our Pride parade. Now our changing world has another view.
I believe we can agree with Sir Robert Peel when he stated in one of nine policing principles in 1829 still used and applied today:
“To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and that the public are the police, the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”
Yes, there has been a rocky history. Yes, there are legitimate concerns today. That is why our relationship must continue. I proudly believe that we have the most respected police-community relationship in the country. That didn’t happen by building walls; we built and continue to build bridges together.
Our police work closely with all of Edmonton’s diverse communities through numerous committees within EPS. No one should ever be afraid of the police. Our EPS chief of police also reports to the Edmonton Police Commission, who in turn provide governance and civilian oversight to your police service.
No matter who you are, you have access to our police and that defines our city and our country. Uniforms, or not, we all know we live in complex political times in so many ways.
In all my years of political battles, I’ve learned you just can’t please everyone. I do know that leading with respect is often the best way forward. The Edmonton Police Service made the decision to attend the Edmonton Pride Festival out of uniform. I give them credit for that.
Our Pride committee consistently delivers a fabulous event each year. Kudos to all those involved and those who celebrate with our logical and biological families.
Happy Pride, Edmonton.