Acting chief constable considering LGBTQ+ apology

The acting chief constable of West Midlands Police has suggested the force could apologise for its historical treatment of LGBTQ+ people.

Scott Green told an accountability and governance meeting earlier he believed the force should examine its past conduct in the same way it had previously addressed its history with black communities.

Green, who stepped into the role last month, said a decision had not yet been made but he planned to discuss the matter with other chief constables.

The region's police and crime commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster responded he was pleased Green had "committed to reviewing the force's position".

"I have not yet made a decision on it [but] I do think it's important that the force looks at some of these issues in the same way that we've looked at issues of our black history," Green told the meeting.

"We're reflecting on the fact that society was a different place in the 70s and 80s and therefore policing was but those harms have nevertheless occurred.

"Whilst I'm not giving an answer today I think that needs to be the starting block of a kind of a journey so I will be writing back to you more formally."

In June 2020, former chief constable Dave Thompson apologised to black communities for things the force "got wrong".

More than 20 other UK police forces have already said sorry for their treatment of LGBTQ+ people, including the Metropolitan Police, Merseyside Police and Police Scotland.

But rights campaigner Peter Tatchell previously said the West Midlands force had twice refused his requests for an apology.

"West Midlands Police were among the most viciously homophobic forces in Britain," Tatchell said in March 2025.

"Officers engaged in harassment, entrapment, beatings and raids on gay venues and private birthday parties.

"Same-sex couples were arrested and assaulted for merely kissing and holding hands."

Foster said he had also recommended West Midlands Police review its previous refusal and consider issuing a public apology.

"At my accountability and governance board today, I am pleased the acting chief constable committed to reviewing the force's position," he said in a statement to the BBC.

"It is essential we do everything we can to ensure all communities have trust and confidence in our police service."

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We have received a letter from the PCC and are reviewing its contents.

"Over the next few months, we will consult with other chief constables, the National Police Chiefs' Council, our staff networks and LGBT+ communities."

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