Police and Crime Commissioner's Update on Gender-fluid Warrant Cards

Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Colin Sutton, said: 

I share the concerns expressed to me by so many Norfolk residents and elected officials that the practice of issuing dual warrant cards to gender-fluid officers not only presented a security risk but also did little to enhance the reputation of the Constabulary or the dignity of the office of Constable.

Accordingly I asked the Constabulary leaders to explain to me why we were following such a policy. Today, in a meeting with Deputy Chief Constable Marshall I was told that the policy had been introduced by a previous member of the command team. The current team is reviewing the policy with a view to scrapping it; in the meantime there is no question of any dual warrant cards being issued.

However, as far as the Deputy Chief Constable could determine, there is no serving Norfolk Constabulary officer in possession of two warrant cards.

The Deputy and I share the view that what is important for the Constabulary is to concentrate on giving the best possible service to those who live and work in our county, and that things like this policy are unnecessary side issues which are a distraction from the core functions. 

I will continue, as Police and Crime Commissioner, to make sure this is the case and to challenge these absurdities if and when they arise.