Uniformed Defence Force members march in last year's parade. NZ Police will make history at this month’s Auckland gay Pride Parade when over twenty identifiable police officers march in such an event for the first time in this country. The officers, expected by Parade organiser Richard Taki to exceed twenty in number and to be predominantly Diversity Liaison Officers (DLOs), some of whom are gay, will walk under a "New Zealand Police supporting Diversity" banner according to a Police spokesperson. The decision by Police hierarchy to allow identifiable officers to march in this year's parade is in contrast to last year, when a hoped-for presence did not receive approval from the force's bosses. Taki says the change of mind to allow officers to march this year is "definitely a step forward... it appears they have crossed over some bridge." Asked if there had been any specific policy change underscoring this year's appearance, the Police spokesperson advised that "any Police participants in the Pride Parade are free to identify themselves as Police staff by any means that does not bring the organisation into disrepute. The wearing of Police uniforms when off duty has strict conditions around it in order to preserve the perception and actuality of impartiality of officers, in all situations." "If an incident occurred at the parade between parade participants and people who may protest against the parade, which then required the intervention of on duty officers," the spokesperson says, then "Police generally could be seen as lacking impartiality when dealing with the situation due to the participation of uniformed officers in the parade." An almost identical concern was last year presented as underscoring the unacceptability of police marching in the parade at all. And last year's parade organiser, Jonathan Smith, says the idea of some form of branded clothing for participants was floated as an alternative to wearing uniform, but it was ruled out by senior police. The police are not saying why such clothing and visibility is now considered acceptable. Fully-uniformed officers have for some years marched in similar gay pride parades in North America and Britain. The police spokesperson also did not respond to questions regarding whether the officers will be formally representing the NZ Police organisation or whether the police have made any contribution to assist with their appearance. However, she did acknowledge the work of DLOs who "have been working together to ensure the organisation is well represented in the parade and extended a warm invitation to all Police staff to participate in the parade to show support of their colleagues and that the New Zealand Police is a diverse and accepting place to work. Any off-duty police employee who wishes to participate in the parade can do so." As in past years, police will also be at the annual Big Gay Out, with lgbti officers among those who will patrol Coyle Park.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 5th February 2014 - 6:21pm