Police will today celebrate with thousands of marchers in the annual Pride March in Melbourne.
More than 150 Victoria Police employees will proudly march alongside approximately 6,000 community members to promote the relationship between police and the LGBTI community.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said he looks forward to the 24th Pride March, one of the most highly-anticipated events on the Midsumma Festival calendar.
“I am proud to be again leading the contingent of police employees, including police officers, protective services officers, police custody officers in the 2019 Pride March,” CCP said.
“Participating in the march has become a proud tradition for the organisation with increasing number of employees attending each year.
“Today, we will participate in the 18th official Pride March, attending in both uniform and plain clothes to celebrate culture, acceptance, respect and pride.
“It is a proud reminder that our police officers are diverse, and are representatives of the community they protect.
“While we’re proud of our relationship with the LGBTI community, we acknowledge there’s still a long way to go.
“Police presence and participation in the march is one important way to publicly demonstrate the progress we’ve made with our LGBTI community, and our ongoing commitment to continually strengthen relationships and improve diversity and acceptance within our workforce.”
Pride March will officially commence today at 11am in the park on the corner of Lakeside Drive and Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.
Victoria Police is taking part in a number of events held throughout the Midsumma Festival period, including a Pride Match between mixed teams from the Victoria Police Soccer Club and Melbourne Rovers, Melbourne’s LGBTI soccer team, held in Docklands yesterday.
