The Cuppa with a Copper scheme invites people from the LGBTQ+ community to chat with police and comfortably report anti-LGBTQ+ hate incidents
South Wales Police launch their Cuppa with a Copper campaign in LGBTQ+ spaces. The scheme aims to encourage people of the community to report hate crimes.
Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ nightlife will host the sessions where police are inviting individuals to have conversations with officers on any issues and hate crimes that may have occurred.
Mary’s, Pulse, The Kings, The Golden Cross, Main Stage and Eagle have all agreed to host the sessions. The police hope to promote a relaxed environment where people can feel comfortable discussing anti-LGBTQ+ incidents.
This comes as the Welsh government aspires to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in Europe. South Wales Police believe the sessions will not only encourage reporting but also lower the rate of offences and thoroughly investigate those that do take place.
A commission by Stonewall Cymru found 4 in 5 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes within the UK go unreported. As a result of the sessions, Superintendent Jason Rees expects “an increase in the reporting of incidents.” He believes this will demonstrate the scheme as a success.
The inquiry also found that Trans people, in particular, are at risk of being misunderstood by police and call handlers. South Wales Police hope the scheme will help build relationships within the community. As a result, encourage the reporting of hate crimes.
Cuppa with a Copper is piloting within Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ night scene. If successful, South Wales Police will seek to roll out the campaign across other areas of the force. Rees, who is also the Operation Leader for hate crimes, believes Cardiff must set the standard for Wales and demonstrate ways the police can support diverse communities.
South Wales Police will use their social media account to post information about the sessions, as well as the host venues accounts. Mary’s will be hosting the first session on 10 November 4pm.
If you or anyone you know experiences a hate crime, call 101 to report the incident. In an emergency, call 999.