Policing and Pride

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FOI/25/8702

Version Date: 18/08/2025

The Corporate Communications and Engagement Department have provided the following information.

I write following the Judicial Review of Lindsey Smith, R (on the application of) v The Chief Constable of Northumbria Police [2025] EWHC 1805 (Admin).

As I am sure you are aware, the Review considered the decision making, involvement, and participation of Northumbria in a Pride event and the Police duty of impartiality.

Northumbria, and other Police Forces, have subsequently ended their involvement.

I would be grateful if you could confirm the position of Devon and Cornwall Police following this Judicial Review.

Specifically;
- Has the participation of Devon and Cornwall Police in Pride events, including the wearing/display of any Pride branding materials by personnel and within the Police estate, been brought to an end?

Following the recent High Court ruling relating to the participation of Northumbria Police in a Pride Event in Newcastle, Devon & Cornwall Police would like to reassure the public about our approach to policing community events such as Pride.

Our officers, staff and volunteers are dedicated and passionate about serving our communities. Being visible and approachable within those communities is a vital part of building trust and public confidence.

Throughout the year, we take part in a wide range of local events – including parades, festivals and Pride celebrations – with our core priority always being public safety.

These events provide valuable opportunities to engage with people from all walks of life, including individuals and communities who may feel less confident in engaging with police. These events are a chance to listen, to build relationships and to ensure everyone knows that we are here to protect and support them.

This year, in light if the recent legal guidance, we are taking a considered approach to our involvement with Pride events across the counties. Our primary focus is on maintaining public confidence in our impartiality.

Devon & Cornwall Police will be attending Pride events in an operational capacity, to prevent crime, disorder and contingency planning. Our presence will also support our ongoing commitment to raising awareness around issues such as our Zero Tolerance to Hate Crime campaign.

It is essential that all members of our communities feel supported and see the police as approachable, inclusive and trustworthy. At this time, direct participation in Pride – such as marching in Uniform – risks undermining public confidence in our neutrality, particularly where a range of legitimate views exist on wider issues.

We absolutely remain committed to serving all our communities fairly, professionally and without fear or favour. We will continue to engage, support and protect the public while upholding the highest standards of impartiality at all times.

As part of this approach, we have made the decision to ask all officers, staff and volunteers not to display any Pride-associated memorabilia on their uniform or person while on active duty.

- Has Force Policy been in any way amended to reflect the outcome of the Judicial Review?

Devon & Cornwall Police have taken the decision to await further guidance from the NPCC on future policy around Pride.

- Will Devon & Cornwall Police now be refraining from the promotion of Pride events through it's social media channels and communications?

Devon & Cornwall Police will not actively be promoting Pride events through our corporate social media channels. However, we remain fully committed to our Zero Tolerance to Hate Crime campaign, which may be supported by dedicated teams at selected Pride events and posted on social media for awareness. This approach ensures we maintain a position of neutrality while continuing to communicate the vital message that there is no place for hate in our communities.

- Will Pride branding be removed from marked Devon & Cornwall Police vehicles and if so when/within what timescale?

Devon & Cornwall Police currently have a vehicle in the fleet that has Pride-themed livery. We have taken the decision to remove this vehicle from use while further discussions are had around the future use of the themed livery.