Police hit back at criticism of attending Bromsgrove Pride

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POLICE said “we are capable of doing more than one thing at a time” in a scathing response to criticism of their presence at Bromsgrove Pride.

After Safer Neighborhood Inspector Lee Page retweeted the Bromsgrove Police image of their presence at Bromsgrove Pride, Councilor Adam Kent tweeted: “Once upon a time the police were fighting crime! My residents suffer from anti-social behavior, burglaries, auto theft and speeding.

“They will be delighted if you can afford to spare an officer for a carnival @WestMerciaPCC @CCPippaMills @pritipatel. Try to sting someone! ”

Disappointed, Cllr Adam Kent blocked me before I had a chance to respond to his public criticism of myself and my team. Speeding tickets, antisocial behavior and break-ins are important, of course – which is why I met him to discuss these issues just a few weeks ago.

– Lee Page (@LeePageWMP) October 3, 2021

Inspector Page then tweeted: “Following reports of homophobic and transphobic abuse of Bromsgrove youth, the city’s LGBTQ + community was certainly delighted with Anna and Eleanor’s presence at Pride today. and the team has my full support.

“There are more than two police officers watching Bromsgrove. ”

Cllr Kent deleted his tweet because “it was used selectively by others to distort the original post” and blocked Inspector Lee Page.

Following the exchange, Cllr Kent said a police inspector manipulated her tweet “to make it look like an attack at the carnival event”.

Cllr Kent added: “Unfortunately the police do not instill any confidence in my residents that they are dealing effectively with crime in Wythall.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think that with the issues my residents are facing, they will feel that having two officers at a carnival in Bromsgrove is an efficient use of resources or taxpayer dollars. .

“I recognize and support the LGBT community, but I think police resources should be crime-focused. ”

In response, Chief Inspector Ed Hancox said, “I will send my officers out to speak with the community publicly or individually all day, every day, seeking justice and protecting people from harm.

“No reasonable person would expect us to do otherwise and the response to our public engagement has been overwhelmingly positive.”

CI Hancox said their presence at Bromsgrove Pride had two elements of “a police operation to reassure the reports of hate crimes in the region and to show our support for a community alongside every police force across the country on day”

The Chief Inspector added: “I would also like to reassure the local people that we are capable of doing more than one thing at a time.

“While the two agents from the Safer Neighborhood team supported the Pride event, other agents answered calls from the public and tackled issues to keep the community safe.

“We also work closely with our partners to achieve the best results for the public; this includes Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council, both of which remain committed to working with my team.

“My officers and I are proud of who we are, the work we do and the communities we serve. ”

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